Family Support Worker, Kinship

The Kinship Team at Hillingdon plays a vital role in supporting the borough's kinship families, with a strong focus on Special Guardianship arrangements. As a Family Support Worker, you’ll be instrumental in enhancing our support offer by delivering meaningful one-to-one interventions, facilitating group activities, and ensuring early help for families in crisis.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of kinship carers and their children by delivering direct, practical support and working closely with multi-agency partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for all Kinship families, especially Special Guardians, offering responsive support and guidance.

• Conduct home visits and provide telephone-based support to carers, particularly during times of crisis or elevated need.

• Assist the social work team in identifying family support needs both pre- and post-court order, and contribute to support planning and assessments.

• Work directly with families on parenting approaches (e.g., PACE), life journey work, and other interventions tailored to their needs.

• Monitor and track kinship placements to reduce the risk of breakdown, escalating safeguarding concerns where necessary.

• Coordinate and co-facilitate monthly kinship coffee mornings and larger community events for carers and their children.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic case records and data, using ICS and spreadsheets for monitoring and reporting purposes.

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and support services to provide holistic care for families.

• Support the development and distribution of quarterly communications for kinship families, keeping them informed of local and national resources.

• Engage with parents of children in Kinship care sensitively, using mediation skills to foster positive outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• GCSEs including English or NVQ Level 3 in a relevant field.

• A recognised qualification in a related discipline (e.g., Social Work, Youth Work, Child and Family Development).

Experience:

• Proven experience working with children and families, particularly those facing complex challenges.

• Familiarity with Child in Need and Child Protection processes.

• Experience in coordinating events and facilitating group work is desirable.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• Strong team player with the ability to manage an individual caseload.

• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and statutory responsibilities under the Children Act and Special Guardianship Regulations.

• Competence in using IT systems for case management and reporting.

• A proactive, compassionate, and solution-focused approach.

Other Requirements:

• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.

• Willingness to work flexibly, including some early mornings and evenings as required.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive and passionate team making a real difference in your community.

• Develop your skills through access to relevant training and professional development.

• Help shape and improve the borough’s kinship support service through innovative practice and service user feedback.

Key Performance Indicators

• Delivery of timely, outcome-focused interventions with SMART targets.

• Evidence of consistent, high-quality record keeping.

• Measurable impact in improving family stability and reducing placement breakdowns.

• Regular communication and engagement with kinship families.

If you are committed to putting residents first and have a passion for supporting families, we would love to hear from you.

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum 37 days after 10 years of service.

• Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme.
• Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council owned golf courses.
• Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment
• Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
• Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.

• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.