Specialist Teaching Team Family Support Worker

Specialist Teaching Team Family Support Worker

Specialist Teaching Team Family Support Worker

The post holder will work to improve outcomes, inclusion and educational experiences for autistic children and young people (aged 2-19), and those with related social communication differences and co-occurring needs. Working collaboratively with families, schools and partner agencies, the role involves:

• Providing specialist advice, guidance and support to parents, carers and professionals.
• Promoting inclusive practice and positive outcomes across educational settings.
• Supporting effective communication and partnership working between home, school and wider services.
• Delivering training, workshops and information sessions to build confidence and capacity.
• Developing practical resources and information to empower families and support children's development.
• Signposting families to relevant services, support groups and community networks.
• Working alongside specialist teachers and multi-agency partners to ensure coordinated, family-centred support.
• Contributing to service development and the continuous improvement of provision for children, young people and their families.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded specialist team committed to improving outcomes and promoting inclusion for children and young people across Cheshire West and Chester.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cheshire West and Chester Council's new Early Engagement, Intervention and Inclusion Service as a Specialist Family Support Worker. The role is central to supporting children and young people, their families, schools and wider professionals to promote inclusion, positive outcomes and successful educational experiences across the borough. Demand and complexity of need continue to grow nationally, and Cheshire West remains committed to delivering high-quality support and inclusive practice for children and young people with SEND.

As a Specialist Family Support Worker, you will work closely with families of autistic children and young people aged 2-19, including those with related social communication differences and co-occurring needs such as ADHD, SEMH and OCD. You will provide advice, guidance, signposting and practical support to families, whilst working collaboratively with schools, specialist teachers and partner agencies to ensure children and young people receive the support they need to thrive.

The role also involves:

• Providing specialist advice, information and support to parents and carers regarding autism and social communication differences.
• Supporting effective communication and partnership working between home, school and wider services.
• Delivering training and workshops to school staff, parents and partner agencies.
• Developing practical resources, information packs and guidance to support families at home.
• Signposting families to relevant local services, support groups and community networks.
• Working alongside specialist teachers and multi-agency partners to promote consistent and inclusive practice across settings.
• Contributing to service development and supporting positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience of working with families within education or a related field.
• Hold a Level 3 qualification in Child Care or equivalent relevant experience.
• Have experience of supporting autistic children, young people and their families.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, partnership and relationship-building skills.
• Have a strong understanding of SEND, safeguarding, child development and inclusive practice.
• Be organised, proactive and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.

This is a hybrid role requiring flexibility to work across Cheshire West and Chester, including schools, family homes, community venues, council offices and occasional home working.

Salary

Grade 7
£19,872 actual salary

This salary is based on 31 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks per year) and represents 0.61 FTE of the Grade 7 full-time salary of £32,578.

If you are passionate about supporting families, promoting inclusion and making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you. Interviews will be held on 23rd November 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Rachel.Bulkeley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and children. It’s a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group (i.e. adults at risk, children, or both).

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role. No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.

For any technical enquiries please email Sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.

Attachments

• RARH 8584 Specialist Family Support Worker Grade 7 JRP.docx