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
Family support workers help families who are experiencing difficulties by offering practical help, emotional support, and guidance. They often work with parents and children to improve family relationships, well-being, and access to services such as housing, education, and health care. The role involves assessing the needs of families, creating support plans, and working closely with social workers, teachers, and other professionals. Family support workers may visit families at home, run group sessions or workshops, and help families access benefits or community resources. The job can be challenging but is also highly rewarding for those who want to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Family support workers in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 4,000 to 5,000 family support worker positions advertised annually across the UK.
Most family support workers work around 37 hours a week, with some roles requiring evening or weekend work to support families.
Works specifically with children and young people who care for family members, providing tailored support and guidance to help them balance their caring responsibilities with education and personal development.
Supports individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, offering practical advice, emotional support, and help accessing safe accommodation and services.
Delivers structured courses and workshops to parents and carers, helping them develop positive parenting skills and strengthen family relationships.
Achieve good GCSE results, especially in English and Maths, as a foundation for further study.
While there is no strict requirement for specific subjects, having at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) is important. English and Maths are particularly valued, as strong communication and numeracy skills are essential for this role.
Study for a Level 3 qualification relevant to working with children and families, such as Health and Social Care, Childcare, or Youth Work.
You can take courses like a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or a Level 3 Certificate in Working with Children and Young People. These courses provide knowledge about safeguarding, child development, and communication. Some colleges may offer apprenticeships that combine study with practical work.
Gain experience by volunteering in schools, youth clubs, or family support charities.
Volunteering gives you insight into the challenges families face and helps develop important skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork. Many organisations welcome volunteers and this can help you build connections for paid roles in the future.
Seek paid positions such as Support Worker, Family Support Assistant, or Teaching Assistant to build hands-on experience.
These roles often involve working directly with children and families, supporting their day-to-day needs, and helping to deliver services. Employers value practical experience, so this step can be crucial for progressing to a Family Support Worker role.
Complete specialist training in areas such as safeguarding, domestic abuse, mental health, or family intervention.
Many local authorities and charities offer training courses for staff. These courses deepen your understanding of issues facing families and teach you how to respond effectively. Continuous learning is crucial, as the needs of families can be complex and varied.
Apply for roles with local authorities, schools, or charities, highlighting your qualifications and experience.
Prepare your CV to show your education, practical experience, and any specialist training. Employers look for candidates with strong listening skills, resilience, and a genuine desire to help families. Be ready to discuss your experiences and approach to supporting families in interviews.
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.
The closest match is 'Family support worker' as both roles involve providing guidance, assistance, and advocacy to families, often requiring similar qualifications in child development, social work, or counselling. They share a focus on supporting individuals within their family and community contexts to improve wellbeing and resolve issues.
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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