Job Description

The closing date is 19th Oct 2025

Job summary

---------------


The Link LD/A team are looking for a Child and Family Support Worker to join their friendly team.


You'll be providing practical support, advice and guidance to families who are finding it challenging to navigate the systems available to them. This will be under the guidance of qualified members of the team and a wider multi disciplinary team.


The Link LD/A Team (Keyworker Programme elsewhere in the county), aims to reduce admissions to hospital, promote a reduction in 52 week education placements and an increase in people being supported in their own community. we support young people who have learning disabilities and/or autism and their families.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

Act as a keyworker for children and young people with complex needs. Build strong relationships with families, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. Support care planning and delivery in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Provide emotional and practical support to families, including signposting to services. Facilitate referrals and contribute to risk assessments and safeguarding processes. Attend and contribute to MDT meetings, care reviews, and case conferences. Maintain accurate records and manage own diary using electronic systems. Travel across Somerset to meet families and attend appointments. Participate in supervision, training, and service development activities.

Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


As a Child and Family Support Worker, you will:

Communicate effectively with children, young people, families, and professionals across health, education, and social care. Use counselling, advocacy, and listening skills to support families in distress or facing complex challenges. Demonstrate empathy, respect, and a solution-focused approach in all interactions. Contribute to assessments and care plans, delivering specific interventions under the guidance of a Care Coordinator. Support families with practical issues such as benefits, housing, respite care, and education. Work independently and flexibly, managing your own workload and responding to changing needs. Use IT systems for record keeping, reporting, and communication. Drive across the county to conduct home visits and attend meetings. Handle emotionally challenging situations with professionalism and compassion. Promote safeguarding and child protection in line with Trust policies.

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above, or equivalent


Commitment to Continuing Professional Development




#

Desirable

Minimum requirement: NVQ3, HNC/HND equivalent


Care related qualifications, i.e. NVQ, Social Work or Social Care, Nursing, Occupational Therapy


Evidence of recent relevant training

Experience

#

Essential

Previous experience of working with young people who have learning disabilities or autism.


Previous experience of working with young people who display behaviour that challenges.




#

Desirable

Previous experience in mental health or social care setting


Experience of undertaking assessments

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Access to own private transport and have use of a car whilst at work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

For help with your application, contact:

Laura Kaye


linklda@somersetft.nhs.uk

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 4

Salary

27485.00 to 30162.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3102

Job locations

Foundation House

Wellsprings Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 7PQ


Summerlands

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BN