Family Support Officer inLondon inLondon PUBLISHED 1 AUG 2024

To work directly with families to provide practical support and assistance, under the supervision of a social worker/senior social worker.
The post holder will work as a member of the GOSH social work and family support service to provide direct practical and financial advice emotional and social support services to patients and their families. A key function of the post will be to advocate for community services and resources on behalf of families and make appropriate and timely referrals to appropriate local services.


The Duties Of The Post Are


  • To provide practical support advice and assistance to families in line with the agreed framework for the provision of psychosocial support to the hospital
  • To work directly with families to provide practical support and assistance, under the supervision of a social worker/senior social worker
  • To work directly with children who have a range of health conditions and their families who may be highly distressed. Attend regular team meetings to consider new referrals and allocation of work according to need, taking referrals from members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • To implement procedures for the effective management and dispersal of financial assistance from the various funds available, including assessing need for assistance and arranging payments.
  • To work in conjunction with other psychosocial staff, clinical staff and benefits advisors within the hospital and in the community to ensure timely and effective support for patients and families. To liaise with other professionals involved in child’s care, for example teachers, social workers, community nurses, etc. This may include communicating sensitive information in an appropriate manner given the high level of stress that families may be experiencing.
  • To advise families (and staff as necessary) on welfare benefits, charitable support and volunteer organisations. Proactively seeking information on eligibility criteria and application processes for charitable assistance

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Patrick Dodd Job title: Senior Social Work Email address:
The post holder will work as a member of the GOSH social work and family support service to provide direct practical and financial advice emotional and social support services to patients and their families. A key function of the post will be to advocate for community services and resources on behalf of families and make appropriate and timely referrals to appropriate local services.

The Duties Of The Post Are

  • To provide practical support advice and assistance to families in line with the agreed framework for the provision of psychosocial support to the hospital
  • To work directly with families to provide practical support and assistance, under the supervision of a social worker/senior social worker
  • To work directly with children who have a range of health conditions and their families who may be highly distressed. Attend regular team meetings to consider new referrals and allocation of work according to need, taking referrals from members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • To implement procedures for the effective management and dispersal of financial assistance from the various funds available, including assessing need for assistance and arranging payments.
  • To work in conjunction with other psychosocial staff, clinical staff and benefits advisors within the hospital and in the community to ensure timely and effective support for patients and families. To liaise with other professionals involved in child’s care, for example teachers, social workers, community nurses, etc. This may include communicating sensitive information in an appropriate manner given the high level of stress that families may be experiencing.
  • To advise families (and staff as necessary) on welfare benefits, charitable support and volunteer organisations. Proactively seeking information on eligibility criteria and application processes for charitable assistance

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Patrick Dodd Job title: Senior Social Work Email address:


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