How to Become a Family Support Worker in the UK: Qualifications, Checks & Training
What is a Family Support Worker?
Becoming a Family Support Worker is a great career opportunity for compassionate and patient health & social care professionals. It’s a rewarding way to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the UK!
You will help families that face challenges such as relationship issues, housing problems, mental health concerns or safeguarding risks. Working closely with parents and children to provide emotional support and guidance.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Visiting vulnerable families at home
- Supporting parents with skills and routines
- Helping families access local services
- Provide emotional support during difficult periods
- Sometimes you may work with the child’s school or community organisation
This role often requires a lot of emotional resilience and empathy, however the impact you make can be life changing to the individuals.
Additionally, the role of a family support worker has never been more vital! As of March 2025, 402,400 children were classified as “in need” for social support, which is approximately 1 in 30 children (Consult Education). More than 600,000 referrals were made to children’s services. Showing the high volume of families that need the help for professionals like you!
This not only shows how many families need supporting and the professional commitment required, but also the real need for Family Support Workers in this industry. With demand continuing to grow, qualified professionals are needed more than ever making a family support worker a meaningful and stable career choice.
How this role makes a real difference:
As so many children are “in need”, you will often play a preventative role. Meaning you are helping stabilise families before situations escalate or helping that child remain safely at home. You will have the potential to impact many lives!
Qualifications you need:
Background Checks:
Training and Development:
Career progression:
Working as a support worker can help you develop into roles like:
- A senior support worker
- Specialised support work, such as mental health or disabilities
- Early help or intervention services
- Training or mentoring new support workers
With social care demand rising, there may be stronger job stability and demand for the role. If you are considering long term career growth, working as a support worker can be a great stepping stone towards these specialist roles!
Start your journey as a Family Support Worker:
If you’re passionate about supporting families and improving children’s lives, this could be the ideal career choice!
Find a Support Worker Role today!
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