Family Time Worker

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children who are placed in local authority foster care? As a Family Time Worker, you'll play a critical role in supporting children in understanding their birth identity and supervising their time with birth parents.

We're looking for people to join us with the skills to encourage and help maintain positive relationships between children and parents. We work with very vulnerable children so we must ensure we maintain professional relationships whilst managing complex family needs and behaviours.

You'll play a vital role in supporting families so they can spend quality time together. Our aim during family time is to promote a positive and meaningful experience for children with their families. This includes offering guidance, parenting advice, modelling positive interactions and behaviours. You will also transport the children around the county and further afield.

This role will be based from The Old House in Lichfield and is fixed term for 12 months. There is a weekend rota and 1 in 4 weekends are worked to support our families.

Main Responsibilities

• Facilitate therapeutic family time between children and their parents or other family members.
• Coordinate arrangements for family time as directed by court.
• Transport children and young people to attend family time.
• Provide parenting support and guidance during family time.
• Support the completion of accurate documentation, reports, and records.
• Be available outside traditional working patterns, including evenings and weekends, to support children, families, and carers when needed.

The Ideal Candidate

• A minimum NVQ 3 in working with children and families or equivalent experience.
• Experience of direct work with children, their families, and carers in a statutory or voluntary agency providing services to vulnerable children.
• An understanding of child development and the effect of stress and trauma on child development.
• An understanding of key policies, guidance, and legislation governing children's social care.
• Unrestricted use of a car and a valid driving licence.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends as needed.
• Effective communication with children, families and carers.
• Ability to build relationships and deliver interventions to children, families and carers.
• Ability to work effectively in conflict situations.

Previous experience with IT, including Microsoft packages, is desirable.

This role is currently subject to a review of weekend working arrangements, including any paid enhancements.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. You are also eligible for a guaranteed interview if your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.