Assistant Practitioner

The Methodist Church in Britain; Chard Town; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council’s Public Health Nursing Service is hiring a permanent post to support children, young people and families across the county. You will deliver delegated health promotion, early intervention and therapeutic support through individual, group and community work under the guidance of a Health Visitor or School Nurse.

You will build strong, inclusive relationships, promote healthy lifestyles, maintain records and contribute to service improvement in a multidisciplinary team, with

Qualifications

• Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Level 2 English and Maths.
• Experience working with children, young people and families in health, education, early years, family support or community settings.
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children, young people and families to provide health and wellbeing support.
• Deliver delegated health promotion, clinical and therapeutic interventions under the guidance of a Health Visitor or School Nurse.
• Contribute to assessments, observations and programmes of care to identify needs and support early intervention.
• Promote healthy lifestyles, covering movement, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and wider health messages.
• Support children and families to make positive changes to health, wellbeing and development.
• Work with schools, Best Start in Life Family Hubs, healthcare professionals and VCFSE partners to provide joined-up support.
• Build positive, family-centred and inclusive relationships with children, families and carers.
• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns under local and national procedures.
• Facilitate group sessions, workshops and community activities for children and families.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to meetings, service improvement and multidisciplinary working.

Skills

Child development

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Independence in team

Record-keeping & policies

Education

Level 4 qualification in a relevant field

Job description

This permanent post sits in the Public Health Nursing Service at Somerset Council, supporting children, young people and families across the county. The postholder delivers delegated health promotion, early intervention and therapeutic support through individual, group and community work. Working under Health Visitors and School Nurses, they manage an allocated caseload but cannot diagnose or prescribe. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not offered.

What the job involves

• Work directly with children, young people and families to provide health and wellbeing support
• Deliver delegated health promotion, clinical and therapeutic interventions under the guidance of a Health Visitor or School Nurse
• Contribute to assessments, observations and programmes of care to identify needs and support early intervention
• Promote healthy lifestyles, covering movement, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and wider health messages
• Support children and families to make positive changes to health, wellbeing and development
• Work with schools, Best Start in Life Family Hubs, healthcare professionals and VCFSE partners to provide joined-up support
• Build positive, family-centred and inclusive relationships with children, families and carers
• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns under local and national procedures
• Facilitate group sessions, workshops and community activities for children and families
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to meetings, service improvement and multidisciplinary working

What’s required

Qualifications

• Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Level 2 English and Maths

Experience

• Working with children, young people and families in health, education, early years, family support or community settings
• Building positive relationships with children, families and professionals from diverse backgrounds

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of child development, health promotion and factors affecting children's wellbeing
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to motivate and engage others
• Working independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary team
• Keeping accurate records and following policies, procedures and evidence-based practice

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Full valid driving licence and access to a car for work
• Right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship

Other

• Compassionate, resilient, values-led approach with commitment to inclusion, equality and better outcomes for children and families

What’s offered

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities