You could do a level 3 diploma in health and social care or children and young people's workforce.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
A family support worker helps families who are experiencing difficulties by offering practical and emotional support. This role involves working closely with children, parents, and carers to improve family relationships, support parenting skills, and ensure the wellbeing of children. Family support workers may visit families at home, work with social services, and help families access additional support such as housing, education, or financial advice. The job can be challenging but is extremely rewarding, as it makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. Good communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.
Family support workers in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 40,000 family support workers employed across the UK, working in local authorities, charities, and community organisations.
The demand for family support workers is expected to grow by around 6 percent in the next five years, reflecting an ongoing need for social care services.
Works directly with children and families to provide early intervention, supporting them to overcome challenges and prevent issues from escalating.
Offers guidance and practical advice to parents and carers to help them develop effective parenting skills and strengthen family relationships.
Specialises in supporting families and individuals affected by domestic abuse, offering emotional support, safety planning, and helping access relevant services.
Achieve at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths.
Most employers require a good general education, with particular emphasis on English and Maths. These subjects help with communication and problem-solving, which are essential skills for Family Support Workers.
Consider taking a relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, such as Health and Social Care or Childcare.
Level 2 and 3 diplomas or certificates in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People's Workforce, or similar courses provide foundational knowledge about working with families and children. These can be studied at college full-time or as part of an apprenticeship.
Get experience by volunteering or working in settings like youth clubs, schools, or charities.
Hands-on experience is highly valued for Family Support Worker roles. You could volunteer with organisations supporting families, children, or vulnerable adults, or seek paid work as a support worker or teaching assistant to build your skills.
Undertake safeguarding and child protection training.
Understanding how to keep children and families safe is essential. Many organisations offer safeguarding training, which is often a requirement for roles involving children and vulnerable adults.
Look for Family Support Worker vacancies with local authorities, charities, or schools.
Family Support Worker roles are advertised on local council websites, charity job boards, and education sector sites. Tailor your CV to highlight your experience with children and families, and be prepared to explain your motivation for the role in your application and interviews.
Practise answers to common interview questions and demonstrate your understanding of family issues.
You may be asked about scenarios involving safeguarding, confidentiality, and supporting families in crisis. Show your empathy, communication skills, and knowledge of support services during the interview process.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Family Support Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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The role most closely matches 'Portage home visitor' as both involve providing family-centred support, guidance, and practical assistance to families, often within a home setting. Both positions require a good understanding of child development, communication skills, and working collaboratively with families to promote positive outcomes.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a level 3 diploma in health and social care or children and young people's workforce.
You'll usually need:
An apprenticeship may help you gain the skills you need to become a family support worker.
You could complete a:
You'll usually need:
You need to have experience to apply for training or jobs as a family support worker.
You can get experience by volunteering or finding paid work with:
You can find volunteering opportunities listed on Do It and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
You can apply for family support worker jobs if you have:
You can find out more about careers in support work from Think Care Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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