Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker – MASH / Early Help Oldham Council | Temporary Contract Are you an experienced Family Support Worker passionate about safeguarding children, supporting families and ensuring children receive the right help at the right time? Oldham Council is looking for a dedicated and proactive Family Support Worker to join its Children’s Services team, supporting the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and strengthening early help and preventative services. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to work alongside social workers and multi-agency professionals, helping to identify children’s needs, gather vital information and ensure families receive appropriate support as early as possible. The Role Working as part of an established multi-agency team, you will contribute to screening and information-gathering activity for children who may require additional help or safeguarding intervention. You will work closely with partner agencies, children and families to develop a clear understanding of individual circumstances, identify unmet needs and support timely, proportionate decisions about the most appropriate services. Key responsibilities will include: Gathering, collating and analysing information from partner agencies to support effective screening and decision-making. Engaging in professional discussions with colleagues across social care, health and other relevant services. Where appropriate, speaking with children and families to understand their circumstances, needs and experiences. Identifying risk factors, protective factors and indicators of unmet need to help determine appropriate support. Supporting early help interventions and ensuring children and families are directed to the right services at the right time. Working collaboratively with qualified social workers and experienced practitioners, contributing to a coordinated multi-agency response. Maintaining accurate, timely and confidential records in line with safeguarding procedures and Council policies. Contributing to assessments, case discussions and recommendations under the supervision of a qualified social work manager. All recommendations and decisions will be subject to appropriate social work oversight, allowing you to use your experience and professional judgement within a supportive, established team. About You We are looking for a confident and experienced practitioner who understands the challenges faced by children and families and can identify where early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Essential requirements include: NVQ Level 4 in Child Care, Health and Social Care, a related subject or an equivalent qualification. Significant experience of working with children and families, particularly within targeted early help or family support services. Experience of identifying needs, undertaking observations and contributing to assessments, care plans or interventions. A sound understanding of child development, safeguarding and child protection. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather information, assess circumstances and make evidence-informed recommendations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with families and professionals from different agencies. The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accurate electronic case records. An understanding of confidentiality, data protection, equality and anti-discriminatory practice. The ability to travel across the borough and work flexibly outside normal office hours when required. Experience of working with diverse communities and delivering group-based support to help parents develop effective parenting and coping strategies would also be beneficial. Why Join Oldham Council? You will be joining an established Children’s Services team where your experience can make a real difference to the lives of children and families. This role offers the opportunity to: Contribute to earlier identification of need and more effective preventative support. Work alongside qualified social workers and a range of experienced multi-agency professionals. Help strengthen the MASH and improve the timeliness of screening activity. Support proportionate responses that enable children and families to access the right services. Play a meaningful role in improving outcomes for children across Oldham. Additional Information Employer: Oldham Council Service: Children’s Social Care – Family Connect and Commissioning & Partnerships Position: Family Support Worker (Profile C) Grade: Grade 5 Contract: Temporary DBS: Enhanced DBS required Travel: Essential car user requirements apply, including travel across the borough. If you have the experience, knowledge and passion to support children and families through effective early intervention, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this opportunity with Oldham Council.