Does this course exist?

[fluffynotebook]

Hey, really want to change career and become a family support worker.
Does anyone know if there are any online courses that would allow me to do this?
Thanks.

I used to do this job. To be honest I got a bit burnt out/jaded after 10 years of volunteering and working in the field so I'm a Pilates teacher now.

It can be a wonderful job, but it is also stressful and you need to be in a team where you feel valued and supported.

A good start would be for you to do some volunteering with a parenting charity like Homestart or Family Lives. They should provide training and you will get good experience.

Good luck with your career change.

@QueenOfToast thanks for replying. I can imagine it being stressful.
Thanks for the ideas. I thought contacting Home Start.
I'm currently considering an Open University course in children and families (Certificate of Higher Education), but I've seen lots of other online courses and not sure whether to go for something like that instead? It wouldn't be as many hours but then I get the impression that an OU course would be more recognised. Feel a bit stuck.

@fluffynotebook I think the experience would be much more useful initially. In my opinion, the most important part of the job is building relationships and interacting with people, often in difficult situations. Good voluntary work experience would demonstrate to any future interviewers that you have those skills.

I like the OU and think their courses are good. They would definitely give you some theoretical underpinnings for family work, but nothing beats getting stuck in and helping people.

@QueenOfToast
Thank you that's really helpful to know. I do really enjoy building relationships and interacting with people. I'm very caring, love to help, have a lot of empathy, also non-judgemental.
I do wonder about the difficult situations part, I'm not used to that, but I guess the experience will help. I do struggle with confrontation! But I can be assertive when put on the spot.

It might be worth looking at a person specification for this type of job if you see any advertised. The Local authority jobs will list the qualifications needed. Experience is probably most valued in this sort of role though.

I saw a poster at the weekend for a local family support charity and they need volunteers! Must be a sign. So I've applied