Family & Community Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a positive different in the lives of families and CYP (children and young people) with special educational needs?

Melksham House School (MHS) is a new all through (4-16) SEMH independent special day school located within Wiltshire. MHS is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Family & Community Support Worker to provide essential support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and their families. The successful candidate will work closely with students, parents, colleagues, and external agencies to ensure that children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Family Support - Act as the primary point of contact for families of pupils with SEND, providing advice, advocacy, and emotional support tailored to their specific needs. 
• Pupil Well-being and Support - Collaborate with teaching colleagues to implement and review individualised support strategies that support home/ school partnership  
• Collaboration and Teamwork - Work closely with the school’s SENDCo to align family support strategies with the broader SEND provision within the school, and liaise with external professionals, including social workers, therapists, healthcare providers, and local authorities, to ensure a coordinated approach to family and student support.
• Crisis Intervention - Respond promptly to families in crisis, guiding them to appropriate services, such as housing support, mental health services, or financial assistance programs.  
• Monitoring and Reporting - Prepare reports on the effectiveness of family support initiatives and contribute to school improvement plans, and regularly review and evaluate family support strategies to ensure they meet the needs of pupils and align with the school’s priorities. 

(Please see the job description attached for full details of the responsibilities expectations of this role.)

Experience:

• Level 3 qualification in childcare, social care, education, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with children with SEND in an educational or support setting.
• Familiarity with SEND frameworks and legislation (e.g., EHCPs, Code of Practice). 
• Proven ability to liaise with families and external agencies effectively.  

Training: It is important to us to ensure you feel valued and supported. Full training appropriate to the role will be provided.

Benefits:

Whether through continuous professional development, personal and impartial support, or exciting discounts to enjoy with friends and family, Brunel Academies Trust have a package of excellent benefits which are available to all employees, including:

• Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
• Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays
• Discounts with Swindon Designer Outlet Village
• Carefirst – impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries
• Excellent pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Annual pay progression opportunities
• Continuous Service date honoured

For any internal Brunel candidates, please contact resourcingwiltshire@brunel.org.uk for an internal application form.

In the first instance we would welcome your application via SAM People Recruit. However, if you are unable to complete the application on this platform, please contact the team using resourcingwiltshire@brunel.org.uk or 01722 321201 or 01722 325018 and we will be able to issue a Word version of the application form for completion and return by the deadline. Unfortunately, in line with Safer Recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs.

Safeguarding Statement

Brunel Academies Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (CYP) and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance. All references will be obtained prior to interview in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE, and further references may be sought as deemed necessary.

Brunel Academies Trust is dedicated to the vision of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a team that reflects diversity from the communities it serves. We value the contributions of all colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and actively seek to promote an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment; which at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance.

Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010, Brunel Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process that is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, pronouns preference, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, paternity or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

In order for your application to be formally considered, we require a fully completed application form in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education & Safer Recruitment. This must include your education history, qualifications with dates and an unbroken employment history from leaving full time education to present day (with gaps accounted for). Please make sure all gaps in employment are explained in the box provided.