Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker Salary: £26,000 to £28,500 per annum (dependent on experience) Service: Residential Family Assessment Centre Reports to : Senior Practitioner / Lead Practitioner / Deputy Manager Role Purpose The Practitioner role represents a progression from entry-level practice and requires increased autonomy, professional confidence, and responsibility within the organisation therapeutic residential family centre. The post holder plays an active and integral role in supporting mothers and babies, contributing directly to structured parenting observations and assessments, and maintaining high standards of safeguarding and recording practice. Practitioners are expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment, and risk, and to apply this understanding consistently in day-to-day practice. The role requires the ability to balance emotional support with appropriate professional challenge, promote parental capacity and resilience, and contribute meaningfully to assessment evidence that informs decision-making for families. The Practitioner supports the organisations overarching aim of safeguarding babies, strengthening early attachment, and supporting parents to make sustainable change within a therapeutic and assessment-led environment. Key Responsibilities Care, Support and Therapeutic Practice

Support mothers and babies in their daily routines in a manner that is safe, nurturing, predictable, and emotionally containing Actively promote parental responsibility, confidence, and independence while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries Support parents during emotionally challenging moments using trauma-informed, non-judgemental approaches Contribute to a therapeutic environment that prioritises safety, trust, consistency, and emotional regulation

Observation, Assessment and Recording

Undertake regular, structured parenting and interaction observations in line with the organisations assessment framework Accurately record observations using clear, factual, and balanced language that distinguishes fact from interpretation Contribute to structured assessment evidence, ensuring consistency and reliability in reporting Maintain high-quality daily logs, handover notes, and records that meet regulatory and organisational standards

Safeguarding and Risk Management

Maintain a clear and proactive understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and thresholds Identify early indicators of risk or concern relating to babies, parents, or the wider environment Escalate safeguarding concerns immediately and appropriately in line with the organisation safeguarding procedures Support the implementation of risk management strategies within placement plans Work within professional boundaries at all times, recognising the importance of boundaries in safeguarding and therapeutic work