Children & Young People's Support Worker
Salary: £23,500 - £27,300 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
Hours: Full Time – 35 hours per week
Location: Darlington (Refuge Accommodation)
Help children rebuild their lives after domestic abuse.
Family Help Darlington CIO has been supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse for over 50 years. We provide safe refuge accommodation, emotional support, counselling and recovery programmes that empower families to move forward with confidence.
We are looking for a compassionate, enthusiastic and organised Children & Young People's Support Worker to join our experienced refuge team.
This rewarding role focuses primarily on supporting children living within our refuge. Many children arrive having experienced trauma, disruption and uncertainty. Through play, creativity, routine and emotional support, you will help them feel safe, develop confidence and begin their recovery journey.
Alongside direct work with children, you will provide valuable office and administrative support that helps ensure our refuge continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
If you are passionate about making a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
Supporting Children and Young People
- Plan and deliver creative, age-appropriate play sessions and activities.
- Provide emotional, practical and developmental support to children living within refuge.
- Support children under school age and those waiting to access nursery or school.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that promote safety, confidence and wellbeing.
- Work alongside mothers to strengthen family relationships and support children's recovery.
- Observe, monitor and record children's progress and wellbeing.
- Liaise with schools, nurseries and partner agencies to support successful transitions.
- Support group activities and school holiday programmes.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, inclusion and trauma-informed practice at all times.
Supporting the Refuge Service
During quieter periods when children are attending school or nursery, or when there are fewer children in refuge, you will support the wider team by:
- Maintaining accurate client records using our case management systems.
- Assisting with referrals and welcoming new families into refuge.
- Answering telephone and email enquiries professionally and sensitively.
- Supporting data collection, monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Maintaining donation records and assisting with social media updates.
- Completing routine health and safety checks.
- Helping ensure the refuge operates efficiently for the benefit of women and children.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- At least three years' experience working with children, families or vulnerable people.
- Experience within childcare, education, family support, health or social care.
- An excellent understanding of safeguarding children and professional boundaries.
- Strong communication, organisation and administration skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic recording systems.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and as part of a supportive team.
- A positive, resilient and compassionate approach.
- A full UK driving licence.
Experience of supporting families affected by domestic abuse, trauma or adversity would be an advantage but is not essential, as training and support will be provided.
What We Offer
- A rewarding career where every day makes a real difference.
- The opportunity to work within a respected specialist domestic abuse charity.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Regular supervision and support.
- A friendly, experienced and passionate team.
- The opportunity to help shape the recovery journey of women and children.
Additional Information
- This post is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 and is therefore open to women only due to the nature of the service provided.
- The successful applicant will participate in the refuge's out-of-hours on-call rota and Saturday morning cover (9.00am-12.00pm) approximately one week in every five.
- Additional hours may occasionally be required during school holidays to support children's activities.
- Employment is subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply
For an application pack or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email C Clarkson at [email protected].
Join Family Help Darlington CIO and become part of a team that has been changing lives for over 50 years. Together, we help women and children move from surviving to thriving.
Pay: £23,500.00-£27,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
