You’ll have experience working with vulnerable children and families, ideally in a local authority children’s services setting. You’ll understand how to work in line with statutory guidance and the Children Act 1989 and 2004, with experience in areas such as Early Help, Child in Need, child protection, care proceedings, permanency care planning or leaving care.
You’ll be comfortable working directly with children and young people of different ages, needs and backgrounds, including those with challenging behaviours and underlying vulnerabilities. You’ll also understand how to support families dealing with complex issues, helping them access the right services and resources to improve outcomes.
A big part of the role is building trust. You’ll be able to engage families from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, listen carefully and work with them in a way that feels respectful, honest and purposeful. You’ll know how to balance empathy with clear boundaries, especially when risks are high.
You’ll also work closely with other professionals to safeguard children, manage risk and support change. Confident in assessing needs, you’ll analyse complex information and create SMART plans that are realistic, focused and in the best interests of the child.
Clear communication will matter every day. You’ll have strong written and spoken English, with the ability to write structured reports that meet statutory expectations and deadlines. You’ll also be able to communicate clearly with families, colleagues and wider professional networks.
Organised and able to manage your time well, you’ll balance direct work with children and families, record keeping and statutory processes. Experience of using systemic therapeutic ideas, Signs of Safety or systemic models of intervention would be helpful, but what matters most is that you bring a resilient approach to the work.
Westminster City Council is committed to supporting Care Leavers into the workplace. Care Leavers seeking their first job and who wish to be considered under our scheme, will automatically be invited to interview should they meet the essential criteria for the role.
