Family support worker job advice please

[heartsandkisses]

I'm just seeing if anyone works as a Family Support Worker. I have seen a job advertised and am thinking of applying.Thank

I am interested in a similar job. Out of interest, did you apply for the job?

Do you any specific questions? I support families with complex needs but there are different types of support worker.

I have seen a vacancy for a family support worker at a children's centre and just wondered what the role would be like. I am a qualified teacher but looking for something different.

I am not a FSW but I am a Safeguarding Lead in a school so regularly refer parents to FSW's through the Early Help process and meet with them with them to discuss families. They do a lot of Home Visits and spend time out and about in the community so would be good for someone who doesn't want an office job. You would be working with some very vulnerable and challenging families. Most will want help and be eager to work with you but some will be extremely mistrustful of the 'system' and reluctant to engage due to their lived experience. You will also come across some emotionally challenging situations like Domestic Abuse, substance misuse, mental health issues and child protection concerns etc. Families may disclose things to you that are difficult to hear. Like many jobs that involve working with troubled families, it's not for the faint-hearted but can be very rewarding when you build a positive relationship with a family and know you're making a difference.

If I was thinking about eventually moving onto a social work degree, would this kind of job be suitable for some relevant experience?

Sleepingwalking yes I think so.
I’m not in a children’s center setting but have friends who are, they love it but it can be stressful with silly targets and constant risk of redundancy. Needs a lot of patience and empathy but can be rewarding.

FSW is an umbrella term that can cover quite a range of things. It can range from being a supervisor in supervised contact right through to visiting families at home. The former is generally just sitting on NMW and the latter slightly higher up the pay scale. In my LA even the basic FSW's need to have NVQ health and social care qualifications.

@SleepwalkingThroughLife yes it would be very relevant.

Thank you for all the posts for this. I applied and got the job. For those that were thinking of this role, every FSW I have talked to enjoys their job. Stressful yes but very rewarding .. good luck for anyone who's going to apply !!!