Family Support Worker jobs in Harlow CM20

If you are motivated to support children in achieving independence and positive life outcomes, this role offers both full-time and part-time opportunities with flexible working arrangements.

As a Support Worker, you will build meaningful relationships with children, working collaboratively within a team to safeguard and support them through consistent, structured, and engaging daily routines.

Key Responsibilities

Child Support & Development

• Support children in their daily lives, promoting independence and life skills (e.g. cooking, budgeting, safety awareness).
• Deliver tailored keywork sessions aligned to each child’s individual needs and development goals.
• Assist children in accessing education, training, employment, and community activities.
• Support independent travel skills, including safe use of public transport.
• Provide emotional support, guidance, and act as a positive role model.

Advocacy & Safeguarding

• Advocate for children to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, following organisational policies and procedures.
• Support children with complex and challenging needs using empathy, patience, and resilience.

Care Environment

• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing living environment.
• Prepare healthy meals and support children in developing daily living skills.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work effectively with colleagues, management, and external professionals.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings, LAC reviews, and placement planning meetings.
• Provide clear and professional handovers between shifts.

Administration & Reporting

• Complete accurate and timely reports (daily, weekly, and monthly as required).
• Support children in managing appointments and attend where necessary.

Professional Development

• Complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 18 months (if not already achieved).
• Engage in ongoing training and development opportunities.

Performance & Career Development

• Performance in this role will be measured against a defined career pathway framework, outlining expectations for high performance in the current role and progression into future roles.
• The career pathway will be shared with all applicants and employees, providing clarity on:
• Performance standards and competencies
• Progression opportunities (e.g. Senior Support Worker and beyond)
• Development expectations required for advancement

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence
• Resilience and ability to manage challenging situations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice
• Organisational and reporting skills

Requirements

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (or willingness to complete within 18 months)
• Minimum 1 year experience working with children or in a similar sector
• Flexible availability

Conditions of Employment

• Enhanced DBS (Child and Adult Workforce) required
• Must not be listed on the Children’s Barred List
• Must comply with Safe Support safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures.

Benefits

• Clear career progression pathway
• Access to training and professional development
• Flexible working arrangements
• Ongoing support from management and senior staff
• Performance-related (KPI) incentives

Pay Rate

• Rates of pay will be dependent on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills relevant to the role.

Additional Information

This role is subject to safer recruitment standards. This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the needs of the service.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £12.71-£14.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• This is a full-time position. Are you able to commit to full-time hours?

Experience:

• Ofsted Children's Home: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person