Specialist Family Support Worker – Children

Darlington Borough Council is piloting an innovative strand of the Families First Reforms within statutory social care, introducing alternatively qualified (non-Social Worker) specialist roles completing statutory Child in Need work under the support and supervision of a Social Work Team Manager.

As a Specialist Family Support Worker, you will undertake children and family assessments and hold Child in Need cases, working directly with families and children who need help and support. You will be part of a collaborative team alongside qualified social workers and other alternatively qualified workers, with access to regular reflective supervision.

It is a blended working role (37 hours per week) based at Floor 4, Town Hall, Darlington DL1 5QT
. Some home working is possible, but the role involves a significant proportion of office-based work and direct family visits in their homes. Rate: £21.02 per hour.

Start date:

22 June 2026.

• Undertake children and family assessments.
• Hold Child in Need cases.
• Work directly with families and children who need help and support.
• Collaborate with qualified social workers and other alternatively qualified workers.
• Receive regular reflective supervision.

• Hold a relevant social care qualification (non-Social Worker).
• Have experience in children and family assessment or Child in Need work.

• Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly.
• Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders.
• A desirable location with great transport links.
• A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment.
• Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through an in-house payroll.
• Enhanced DBS processing included.
• Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support.
• Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location.