Support and Assessment Worker

Support and Assessment Worker Employer: Leicestershire County Council Department: Children and Young People’s Services Location: Countywide, Leicestershire Grade: Grade 9 Contract: To be confirmed About the Role Leicestershire County Council is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Support and Assessment Worker to join its Children and Young People’s Services team within Specialist Services (Localities). This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting vulnerable children, young people and families to make positive, lasting changes. You will work directly with families experiencing significant difficulties, helping parents and carers develop their parenting skills, improve home environments and meet the needs of their children. You will also support social workers with family assessments and undertake direct work with children and young people to promote their safety, development and wellbeing. Working collaboratively with social workers and other professionals, you will play an important role in safeguarding children, strengthening family relationships and improving outcomes for vulnerable families across Leicestershire. Key Responsibilities As a Support and Assessment Worker, your duties will include: Supporting social workers with comprehensive family assessments, contributing to reports, reviews and targeted interventions. Managing allocated Children in Need cases and ensuring assessments and associated work are completed appropriately. Providing practical parenting support to help parents and carers develop their skills and confidence in caring for children. Delivering and contributing to group work programmes for parents experiencing difficulties managing their children's behaviour. Undertaking direct work with children and young people to address identified needs and support their development. Observing and monitoring children's standards of care, identifying potential safeguarding concerns and reporting any suspected abuse, injury or neglect. Supervising and observing contact sessions between children and their parents where required as part of an assessment. Supporting kinship carers, foster carers, parents and young people through targeted interventions and self-help activities. Attending case conferences, core group meetings and other multi-agency meetings as required. Maintaining accurate, confidential and up-to-date electronic and written records. Undertaking life-story work and other activities designed to support children's learning and understanding. Providing transport for children, young people and families where required as part of your duties. The role may involve working outside standard office hours, including early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends, to meet the needs of children and families. Essential Requirements To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate: A Level 3 childcare qualification (NNEB, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) . Experience working with parents and children. Knowledge and understanding of child development and safeguarding. An understanding of the social and environmental factors affecting vulnerable children, young people and families. Knowledge of home safety and basic child behaviour management techniques. An awareness of cultural, racial, linguistic and religious differences and the ability to work inclusively with diverse families. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, parents, carers and professionals. Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond flexibly to changing needs. The ability to work collaboratively with social workers and other professionals across multi-agency teams. The ability to maintain accurate records and produce clear, concise reports. Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and relevant databases. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle, with the ability to travel efficiently across Leicestershire. The flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children, maintaining confidentiality and promoting equality of opportunity. Desirable Experience and Qualifications The following would be advantageous: Experience delivering group work with adults. Experience undertaking behavioural work with children, young people and their carers. First Aid training. A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. What Kind of Candidate Are We Looking For? We are looking for someone who is patient, approachable and committed to helping families overcome challenges. You will be confident working with vulnerable children and families, able to build trusting relationships and willing to provide practical, hands-on support where it is needed most. The successful candidate will understand the importance of safeguarding, be comfortable working alongside social workers and other professionals, and be motivated by achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Additional Information An enhanced DBS check is essential for this regulated activity. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends is required. Travel across Leicestershire will be necessary. All duties must be undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements, confidentiality obligations and local authority policies and procedures. How to Apply If you have the relevant childcare qualification, experience supporting children and families, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to be considered for this opportunity with Leicestershire County Council.