Family Support Worker x2

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 2 family support workers to join the Through Care Service, recently rated good by OFSTED.

The Through Care Service supports children and young people aged 0-25 and their families, through their journey in care and as care leavers. There are three units, each with three teams, two with a focus on children in care and one with a focus on care leavers. The children in care teams have a practice lead, six social worker, a family support worker and a unit coordinator. We are based at B Bond in an open plan office overlooking the river and Ashton Court. We have high aspirations for our children and young people and are committed to providing services to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will work with children who are in in foster homes (including kinship), children’s homes and children in semi-independent accommodation (children live mostly in and around Bristol, but also further afield). Your main task will revolve around arranging and supervising the family time between birth families and their children who are in care.

You will also provide direct support to the social workers in your team with life story work, visiting children and families and keeping up to date records which will help children understand their journey into and through care. The work can be reactive and fast paced and you will need to be trauma informed and creative in response. We will support your career progression and you will have opportunities to become involved in projects and areas of interest to support this.

In Through Care we recognise the importance of the child’s whole network in building security and safety. We believe coming into care is an extension of the network our children already have, and a large piece of our work is to support and maintain this. We are creative in our approach to be certain we meet the needs of our children. Our practice is underpinned by signs of safety, and we encourage a systemic and reflective approach.

‘It is an absolute privilege to be involved in the life of a child a care and walk with them on their care journey’.

If you share this passion and commitment, we would love to hear from you.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

If you would like to discuss the role further please contact practice leads Gabriel Collings (gabriel.collings@bristol.gov.uk), Kimberley Dale (Kimberley.dale@bristol.gov.uk).

At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Young People, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, Disabled, LGBTQ+ and Male candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.