Employer: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Family Support Social Worker
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year
Job Type: Full-time
Contract: Fixed term (18 months)
Working Pattern: Full-time
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change – Band 6
Reference Number: 387-WC9870-DA
Closing Date: 28 September 2025
Job Summary
This role is for a Family Support Social Worker within the Children and Young People’s Gender Service (CYPGS) in the South West, as part of a fixed-term service development project.
The project involves:
Working with parents and schools to provide NHS guidance on supporting children with gender incongruity or gender-related distress.
Travel around the South West of England to community, school, and primary care settings (not lone working).
Data collection and management in line with project protocols.
Building effective working relationships with parents, professionals, and the project team.
This role is part of CYPGS and Psychological Health Services (PHS), an award-winning department recognised for leadership and the development of Trust-wide psychological services. Staff benefit from opportunities to expand into other clinical areas through planning with their manager and head of service.
Main Duties of the Job
Act as a competent and visible social worker within CYPGS (SW) and the service development project.
Provide high-quality evidence-based safeguarding practice for children, young people, and adults at risk.
Use safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and policy to provide appropriate safeguarding support.
Guide others in applying legal frameworks related to children.
Work with the clinical MDT to provide holistic support to families and address safeguarding concerns.
Develop and implement safeguarding processes for the project, ensuring compliance with UHBW systems.
Maintain consistent safeguarding support across the project and service.
Brief the project team and Deputy Director of Safeguarding (Children) on safeguarding issues and family support themes.
Additional Responsibilities:
Adjust support based on learning needs of service users.
Support staff in escalating safeguarding concerns when necessary.
Maintain high standards of record keeping, reporting, and assessment writing.
Provide clear risk analysis to inform referrals and information sharing.
Attend strategy meetings, case conferences, core groups, and MDT meetings as required.
Share understanding of vulnerabilities faced by children in care or under protection plans.
Assist in implementing recommendations from the Cass Report on safeguarding best practice in CYPGS.
Act as lead professional at early help and Child in Need levels where identified.
About University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the UK with:
Over 13,000 staff.
More than 100 clinical services across 10 sites.
A core population of over 500,000 people across South West England.
UHBW has been rated “Good” overall by the CQC. As a teaching trust, it combines patient care with world-leading research, innovation, and education.
The Trust promotes diversity and equal opportunities, designing services around patients’ needs and ensuring a workforce that represents the rich diversity of the local population.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential:
Registered Social Worker.
Evidence of professional development meeting regulatory requirements.
Desirable:
Training in child development.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
Strong knowledge of legislation, guidance, and best practice for safeguarding children.
Experience working with families and children under statutory processes.
Skilled in assessing risks in family settings and developing safety plans.
Experience developing and supporting junior staff.
Ability to represent the child’s voice in decision-making.
Experience preparing safeguarding reports under Section 17 and 47 of the Children Act 1989.
Knowledge of current safeguarding issues for both adults and children.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
Involvement in research or audit.
Aptitudes
Essential:
Flexible and adaptable in high-pressure environments.
Ability to apply safeguarding practice across health and community settings.
Skills and Abilities
Essential:
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Analytical ability to identify risks and prioritise the child’s best interests.
Ability to translate research into staff training and development.
Teamworking skills with clear understanding of boundaries and escalation.
Ability to manage unpredictable workloads and reprioritise.
Skilled in safeguarding supervision and reflective practice.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications are welcome from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Since April 2017, Skilled Worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18) are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.