Children's Family Time Worker x 3

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Children's Family Worker to join our Family Time Team. The Family Time Team supervise Family time (also known as Supervised Contact) for Looked After Children with their parents/wider family. This is a varied role and you will have the opportunity to work with children of all ages and their families, ensuring that the time they spend together is safe, supported and enjoyed.

Most Family Time sessions are 1.5hrs - 2hrs in length and take place across North Somerset. You will write up accurate notes from the session which are used by Social Workers in their assessments/part of Court proceedings.

You will be joining a very friendly and supportive team with extensive experience of supervising Family Time at North Somerset Council. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in regular Team Meetings, Group Supervision sessions and one-to-one meetings with the Family Time Supervisors.

In this role, you will; Plan, provide and observe supervised family time sessions for children/young people who are in the care of the local authority or whose care is supported by the local authority, with their parents wider family members and/or significant persons, using specialist skills and knowledge gained through formal qualifications and/or considerable relevant work experience. Provide support to parents and/or wider family members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide safe child-centred family time sessions for children and young people with their parents, wider family members, friends etc. within the guidelines of their individual care plan and/or court order

• Provide accurate, high quality and concise recordings of observed family time sessions for social care colleagues to inform court proceedings and/or assessments

• Provide practical parenting support and/or guidance to parents and/or wider family members as requested by social care colleagues to inform court proceedings and/or assessments and where appropriate motivate and support change

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about working with children and families and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Level 2 or 3 vocational qualification or equivalent work experience in a social care/childcare setting giving a thorough understanding of processes and practices required to deliver the service.
• Understanding of the legislative framework for children looked after, child protection, child in need and children with complex needs.
• Working knowledge of child development.
• Understanding and recognition of professional and personal boundaries.
• Experience of working to identify, encourage and develop positive improvements in parenting through observation and feedback.
• Experience of working with individuals who are affected by disabilities, substance misuse/addictions, mental health concerns, domestic abuse etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage own work without close supervision.
• ICT literate with working knowledge of Microsoft office package.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of Family Time would be an advantage but full training will be provided.
• A full UK driving licence would be desirable.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion or more information, please contact Kris Hughes or Carina Hicks (Family Time Supervisors).
Kris - 07385 378463 or kris.hughes@n-somerset.gov.uk
Carina - 07385 378462 or carina.hicks@n-somerset.gov.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.