You’re interested in BA (Hons) Working with children, young people and families – the clue is in the course title! But do you know about the range of careers you could pursue once you finish the course?
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1. Learning mentor
A learning mentor supports students in overcoming barriers to learning and achieving their full potential. You will work with children and young people, often in schools, to provide one-on-one mentoring, develop personalised learning plans, and offer guidance on academic, social, and emotional issues.
In this role you could find yourself interacting in a range of situations to support a range of young people - from supporting teenage mums, through to refugees and young people with mental health issues - in a variety of settings, including schools.
Responsibilities include identifying students' needs, setting achievable goals, liaising with teachers and parents, and running workshops or group sessions.
2. Project Worker
As a graduate of this course, you'd also be well-placed to work for charities or the third sector (organisations like Barnardo's, the NSPCC and Childline) in areas such as fundraising, bid writing or project management.
Roles like this have varied responsibilities ranging from planning and delivering project activities, coordinating with volunteers and stakeholders, and ensuring the effective use of resources.
Key duties include fundraising, monitoring and evaluating project outcomes, and reporting progress to senior management and funders.
This role requires strong communication skills, a passion for the chosen cause, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve positive social impact.
3. Family Support Worker
As a family support worker, you would assist families facing challenges by providing practical and emotional support to improve their well-being and stability. You will work closely with families to develop tailored support plans, addressing issues such as parenting, financial difficulties, mental health, and relationships.
Key responsibilities include conducting home visits, connecting families with relevant services and resources, offering advice and guidance, and advocating on their behalf.
This role requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of family dynamics and social issues, and a commitment to helping families achieve positive outcomes.
Working with Children, Young People and Families
Find out more about this course.
4. Children's Centre Worker
As a children's centre worker, you support children’s learning and development from birth to five. You would be responsible for developing an enabling learning environment and developing relationships with children and their families, and act as a key worker supporting individual children to make the transition from home to the setting.
Tasks include organising and delivering activities such as parenting classes, play sessions, and health clinics, and you will often be working in collaboration with health visitors, social workers, and educational professionals.
Responsibilities can range from offering advice and support to parents, identifying and addressing the needs of families, and promoting child development through structured programs.
5. Special Needs Support Worker
A special needs support worker can work in various settings, including schools, residential care facilities, and community centres, providing personalised support tailored to everyone’s needs. You will focus on individual children who have additional needs such as autism, visual impairment, or other severe learning difficulties.
Key responsibilities include assisting with daily activities, implementing educational and therapeutic programmes, promoting social inclusion, and collaborating with families, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
This role requires patience, empathy, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
6. Parental Advisor
You could utilise your skills to support new parents - vulnerable parents - to develop effective parenting skills in relation to nutrition, behaviour, learning, and social development. Your role could be attached to schools or to third sector groups such as the NSPCC, Barnardo's, Family Action etc.
Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing tailored support plans, facilitating parenting workshops, and offering one-on-one advice sessions. This role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of child development and family issues, and a commitment to empowering parents to create positive and nurturing home environments.
7. Further study and teaching
There is also scope to progress further as an academic and gain specialist training.
We offer postgraduate teacher training in Primary Education, including the opportunity to specialise in SEN or mathematics, and a Master's programme in Education with specific awards available in a variety of areas including Leadership and Management, Mentoring and Coaching, Special Needs Education, and Youth and Community Education.
You could go on to qualify as a social worker if you find the course leaves you interested in this area. We offer a two-year MSc in Social Work which enables you become qualified and register with Social Work England.