You could do a level 3 diploma in health and social care or children and young people's workforce.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

An apprenticeship may help you gain the skills you need to become a family support worker.

You could complete a:

• peer worker advanced apprenticeship
• children, young people and families practitioner higher apprenticeship
• early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You need to have experience to apply for training or jobs as a family support worker.

You can get experience by volunteering or finding paid work with:

• children's homes or youth projects
• nurseries
• family refuge centres
• probation services
• family community centres
• mental health services

You can find volunteering opportunities listed on Do It and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

You can apply for family support worker jobs if you have:

• experience working with children, young people or families
• a minimum of a level 3 qualification in childcare, social work, social care, counselling, youth work or education

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• a desire to help people
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

For many roles you may be expected to have a driving licence with no penalty points.

As a family support worker you could:

• work with people addicted to alcohol or drugs
• support a parent while they're in hospital or prison
• support clients who have marriage or money problems
• support a child or parent with a disability
• attend court sessions about caring for a child
• help clients develop their parenting skills
  

You could work at a school, in an office, at a client's home or in a court.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.