Family Support Adviser (FSA)

We understand that people bring different strengths, experiences, and perspectives. So, if you feel you don’t meet every part of a person specification, please don’t let that put you off. We’re far more interested in your passion, transferable skills, and positive attitude than a perfect match on paper. If you believe you can bring something unique or valuable to our team, we would still love to hear from you.

Please note that candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted after the application closing date. If you do not hear from us, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to provide individual feedback at the pre-interview stage – but we truly appreciate your effort and interest in our organisation.

Pay: Level 8 | £13.89 per hour

Hours: Part-Time | Term-Time Only | up to 24 hours per week | Job Share also considered.

Pattern: Monday to Thursday | up to 6hrs per day | negotiable

Closing date: Wednesday 5th November 2025

Interviews: Thursday 13th November 2025

Location: 33 Woodcock Road, Norwich, NR3 3TT

Application Form

Job Description

Introduction

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of families with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)? We’re looking for an empathetic, proactive, and committed Family Support Adviser (FSA) to join our Children and Family Services Team.

In this vital role, you’ll provide early and ongoing support to families – offering practical advice, emotional guidance, and advocacy as they navigate education, health, and care systems. You’ll help families build confidence, access the right services, and feel empowered to support their child’s development and wellbeing.

If you’re a great communicator with experience working with SEND families, a passion for inclusion, and a desire to create lasting impact through person-centred support and community engagement – we’d love to hear from you.

Job Purpose

The Family Support Adviser provides early and ongoing support to families of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). This role offers practical advice, emotional support, advocacy, and information around systems such as accessing additional educational support. FSAs build trusted relationships with families, helping them to navigate complex services and empowering them through peer support, group sessions, and personalised interventions.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support for Families

Provide timely, person-centred support to families from early years through school age and up to 25 years of age, regardless of formal diagnosis.
Offer individual and group-based sessions to help families understand and manage their child’s needs.
Support families with navigating statutory systems including education, health, and care services, especially EHCPs and associated processes.
Assist with signposting and referrals to external agencies and professionals as needed.
Facilitating other group provision alongside Nansa’s wider Children and Family Services Team – such as stay and play groups for families and children.
Occasional work on evenings, at weekends, and during school holidays is possible if/when an FSA is required to attend a community event – similarly, the SENsational Families service may also facilitate a small number of events outside of usual working hours throughout the year.

Information, Advice and Advocacy

Act as a source of reliable information on SEND-related topics, providing clarity and reassurance.
Support families in advocating for their children’s rights and needs within educational, healthcare, and social settings.
Help families prepare for and attend key meetings, assessments, or reviews.

Peer Support and Group Work

Facilitate peer support opportunities such as coffee mornings, workshops, or themed discussion groups.
Promote confidence, resilience, and shared learning among parent carers.
Create safe, inclusive spaces for families to share experiences and form connections.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Be alert to signs of stress, risk, or safeguarding concerns and respond according to Nansa’s safeguarding procedures.
Promote the wellbeing of both children and parents/carers through empathetic, proactive engagement.
Ensure all activities and sessions are delivered in accordance with relevant policies and guidance.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions, outcomes, and support provided.
Collect feedback and contribute to evaluation processes that measure impact and inform service development.
Report regularly to the Programme Manager, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.

About you…

Essential Skills & Experience

Experience working with families of children with SEND, neurodiverse profiles, or developmental needs.
Understanding of key processes such as EHCPs, early intervention, and education inclusion.
Skilled in building trusting, supportive relationships with a wide range of families.
Excellent communication and active listening skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly.
Familiarity with safeguarding practices and supporting vulnerable individuals.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience working with children with SEND, neurodiverse profiles, or developmental needs.
Knowledge of local SEND services, education systems, and statutory entitlements.
Experience delivering workshops, peer support, or group-based activities.
Training in advocacy, family support, or child development.

Personal Attributes

Empathetic, compassionate, and respectful of lived experience.
Non-judgemental and approachable, with a calm and professional manner.
Organised and reliable with a flexible approach to changing family needs.
Passionate about inclusion, empowerment, and improving outcomes for families.
Reflective and responsive to feedback and learning opportunities.

Important Information

To apply, please complete the application form above and return to: HR@nansa.org.uk

As a Data Controller, Nansa complies with the principles of the 2018 General Data Protection Regulation. Your application form will be kept for six months whether you are successful or not, then deleted or destroyed thereafter.

Nansa is committed to an inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunities in employment, however, due to the nature of the work involved applicants must be 18 or over. That aside, we aim to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged on the grounds of age, disability, neurotype, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex (gender), or sexual orientation.

To help us measure how well we are achieving this aim and to identify and address any potential barriers in our recruitment processes, we invite all applicants to complete an online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This form will be shared with you via a link in the acknowledgement email you receive after submitting your application.

Completion of the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form is entirely voluntary and is not part of the selection process. The information collected is anonymous, contains no personal or contact details, and cannot be linked to any individual applicant. It will be used solely for statistical monitoring and to help Nansa ensure that our recruitment practices are fair, inclusive, and free from discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional.

Nansa is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of the people we support and maintaining a safe working environment for our staff, volunteers, and partners. As part of our recruitment process, we require applicants who are invited to interview to disclose any unspent criminal convictions prior to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check being arranged. Please note that having an unspent conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being considered for employment. Each case will be assessed individually, taking into account the nature and circumstances of the offence, its relevance to the role you have applied for, and the level of honesty and transparency shown in your disclosure.

Nansa is a Disability Confident Employer.