Children & Family Support Worker

 FREEDA offers a range of support services to women and their children experiencing domestic abuse. Clients do not need residential qualifications to receive help or stay at the safe house. We provide a safe and confidential space where families can talk openly, receive guidance, and begin their journey to recovery and empowerment.

The Children & Family Support Worker (CFSW) plays a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their mothers living in the safe house and in the community. Working as part of FREEDA’s trauma-informed team, the CFSW provides therapeutic, creative, and practical support that helps children understand and process their experiences, rebuild trust, and strengthen positive relationships.

Through family support, play, and group sessions, the CFSW enables children and young people to:
 - Recognise and express emotions safely
 - Develop emotional literacy and coping strategies
 - Build self-esteem and resilience
 - Explore adverse experiences in a safe and supported way
 - Strengthen positive connections with their mothers and peers

·        Assess the needs of children and young people upon admission and throughout their stay at the safe house.

·        Work in partnership with other agencies to safeguard children and meet their diverse needs.

·        Support mothers to build loving, consistent, and nurturing relationships with their children.

·        Educate mothers and professionals on the impact of domestic abuse on children and the importance of trauma-informed parenting.

·        Advocate for children’s rights and needs in line with FREEDA’s Safeguarding Policy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

·        Hold quarterly house meetings with children and young people to amplify their voices and involve them in shaping FREEDA’s environment and activities.

·        Plan and deliver individual and group-based programmes, including therapeutic play, creative expression, and recreational activities.

·        Support families in meeting health, education, and social care needs, liaising with schools and agencies as appropriate.

·        Assist in the delivery of educational initiatives in schools, colleges, and youth settings, including PSHE workshops and awareness sessions.

·        Provide outreach support for children and young people living in the community.

·        Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records and evaluate the impact of all interventions.

·        Ensure FREEDA remains responsive to changing community needs and inclusive of diverse family experiences.

·        Organise seasonal celebrations and community-building events for residential and outreach families.

·        Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the role and grade.

 | QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING  
 | A level 3 qualification in one of the following: childcare, education, health, social care or youth work  | Essential  | 
 | Adult and Children Safeguarding training (SPB – foundation level at minimum)  | Essential  | 
 | KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF  |   | 
 | Child development and attachment theory | Essential   | 
 | Trauma-informed and strengths-based practice | Essential | 
 | The issues relating to domestic abuse and its impact on adults and children  | Desirable  | 
 | United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC ) | Desirable  | 
 | EXPERIENCE OF  |  
 | Working with children of all ages, including those with additional needs and those with adverse childhood experiences  | Essential  | 
 | Safeguarding children and working collaboratively with multi-agency partners | Essential  | 
 | Planning, facilitating and evaluating and one-to-one interventions | Essential  | 
 | Delivering creative, therapeutic, or play-based activities | Essential  | 
 | SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES  |  
 | Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills | Essential  |  
 | Emotional literacy and ability to build trusting relationships | Essential  |  
 | Creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills | Essential  |  
 | Resilience and ability to manage challenging or distressing situations | Essential  |  
 | Strong IT, record-keeping, and organisational skills | Essential  |  
 | Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively | Essential  |  
 | Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive | Essential  |  
 | Ability to work independently and collaboratively | Essential  |  
 | Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends | Essential  |