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Family Time Worker

Supporting Family Time Worker – Durham County Council

Durham County Council is recruiting Sessional Supporting Family Time Workers to help children and families have safe, positive and meaningful time together. This flexible opportunity is suitable for applicants with a relevant children’s services qualification or those working towards a social work qualification.

Job Overview

  • Employer: Durham County Council
  • Job Title: Supporting Family Time Worker
  • Salary: Grade 6, £29,071–£32,046 per year, pro rata to hours worked
  • Location: County Durham, England
  • Contract Type: Casual, seasonal, bank or permanently variable hours
  • Working Pattern: As and when required, including weekdays and weekends
  • Hours: As and when required
  • Number of Vacancies: 1+
  • Job Category: Social Care – Children’s Services
  • Vacancy ID: 303195
  • Post Number: CYPS/26/221
  • Closing Date: 1 November 2026 at 11:59 pm
  • Interview Dates: Week commencing 16 November 2026
  • Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Contact the employer to confirm eligibility if you require sponsorship.

About the Role

Durham County Council is looking for reliable, flexible and committed individuals to join its Family Time Service, which operates seven days a week.

As a Supporting Family Time Worker, you will supervise family time sessions, helping children and young people spend quality time with their families in a safe and supportive environment. You will observe interactions, maintain accurate records and work with professionals to promote positive outcomes for children and families.

Applicants should be available for a combination of weekday and weekend sessions or be able to commit to regular weekend shifts.

This role offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience in Children’s Services while contributing to the wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will include:

  • Providing family time sessions at various venues across County Durham.
  • Supervising and supporting children, young people and their families during family time sessions.
  • Observing family interactions and completing accurate, timely and professional records and reports.
  • Supporting the Team Leader and Team Manager in maintaining safe service delivery, including assessing and managing risks.
  • Following all relevant council policies, standards and procedures.
  • Promoting positive outcomes through a child-focused approach.
  • Liaising with social workers, parents, carers and partner agencies.
  • Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns in accordance with council procedures.
  • Reporting deficiencies in service standards to providers and quality assurance leads.
  • Contributing to the ongoing development and promotion of the Family Time Service.

Essential Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification requirements:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification in a relevant children’s services field or an equivalent qualification; or
  • Be working towards a social work qualification.

Applicants should consult the official Person Specification for the complete essential and desirable criteria.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List because the position involves regulated activity.

The employer expects all staff to share its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Salary, Benefits and Rewards

Durham County Council offers a range of employee benefits, including:

  • Competitive salary: Grade 6, £29,071–£32,046 per year, pro rata to hours worked.
  • Annual leave: 27 days, increasing to 32 days after five years of continuous local government service, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
  • Pension: Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Flexible working: Various flexible arrangements, including hybrid working where applicable.
  • Career development: An opportunity to gain experience within Children’s Services.

Benefits and rewards are subject to individual terms and conditions.

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For further information, visit the council’s Rewards and Benefits page.

Informal Discussion About the Role

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Family Time Team Manager to discuss the position, expectations and opportunities available.

Email: beth.wade@durham.gov.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Durham County Council is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Leader, the council encourages applications from disabled people and offers support throughout the recruitment process.

A guaranteed interview scheme is available for applicants who meet all essential criteria and indicate that they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, a care leaver or a veteran.

The council also welcomes applications from people who are or consider themselves neurodivergent.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online through the Northeast Jobs portal. CVs are not accepted.

When completing the application form, use the Person Specification section to explain clearly how you meet the essential criteria and, where possible, the desirable criteria. Applications that do not demonstrate the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 16 November 2026.

Application Support

If you need assistance with your application, contact the Recruitment Helpdesk:

Application correspondence will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Check your spam and junk folders regularly to avoid missing updates.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Supporting Family Time Worker position is 1 November 2026 at 11:59 pm.

 

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