Family Time Worker

Role overview

This position sits within Staffordshire County Council and is based full time in Tamworth. The role focuses on helping children in local authority foster care maintain healthy links with their birth families while supporting them to understand their own background and identity.

You will work closely with children, parents, carers and other family members to make family time safe, constructive and meaningful. The work involves managing sensitive situations, maintaining professional boundaries, and responding to complex family circumstances and behaviours.

A key part of the job is to support positive interactions during contact sessions, which may include giving practical parenting guidance, modelling appropriate behaviour, and helping families make the most of time together. The role also requires transporting children across the county and sometimes beyond.

Main duties

• Arrange and supervise therapeutic family time between children and their parents or other relatives.
• Set up family time visits in line with court direction.
• Drive children and young people to and from family time sessions.
• Offer parenting support, advice and guidance during contact.
• Keep clear, accurate records, reports and documentation relating to children, young people and families.
• Work outside standard hours when required, including evenings and weekends.

Candidate profile

The council is seeking someone with a strong commitment to supporting children and families, along with the ability to work confidently in challenging and sensitive settings.

• A minimum of NVQ Level 3 in work with children and families, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of direct work with children, families and carers in a statutory or voluntary organisation supporting vulnerable children.
• Knowledge of child development and how stress and trauma can affect it.
• Understanding of the main policies, guidance and legislation that govern children’s social care.
• Access to an unrestricted car and a valid driving licence.
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.
• Strong communication skills when dealing with children, families and carers.
• Ability to build relationships and deliver interventions effectively.
• Confidence working in conflict situations.

Other information

Experience using IT systems, including Microsoft packages, would be an advantage.

The organisation is currently reviewing weekend working arrangements, including any enhanced pay that may apply.

Interviews are scheduled for the week beginning 6 July 2026.

If you are uncertain whether your background matches the role, you are encouraged to contact the team for an informal discussion.

Recruitment process

Applications are anonymised during shortlisting so that only relevant information is considered. Candidates should complete the application thoroughly, especially the supporting statement, to show what they can contribute to the role.

Where interview guarantee schemes apply, the essential criteria listed for the role will be used for assessment.

About Staffordshire County Council

The council describes itself as a community-focused organisation that values belonging, ambition and a forward-looking approach. It aims to create a supportive workplace where employees can achieve their potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Staff can access the organisation’s wider rewards and benefits package.

Safeguarding and equality

Staffordshire County Council is committed to protecting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

As part of its commitments as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer, and in support of care leavers, the council offers a guaranteed interview where the minimum criteria are met.

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service criminal record check. If relevant, applicants must declare any unspent or unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in their application.