Assistant Practitioner

Bidvane; Polegate; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust in Polegate is seeking an Assistant Practitioner to promote health and wellbeing for children, young people and families. The role involves schools, clinics and community settings across East Sussex, with safeguarding at the core of practice.

You will contribute to health education, early intervention and practical support, requiring Level 5 child development study or equivalent, Level 2 English and maths, and independent travel with a full UK/EU

Qualifications

• Level 5 foundation degree-level study in child development, or equivalent-level experience.
• Level 2 Functional Skills in literacy and numeracy, GCSE English and maths at grades A–C/4–9, or equivalent.
• Recent child-development experience gained through education, work experience or previous employment.

Responsibilities

• Support children, young people and families to improve health, wellbeing and resilience
• Provide health promotion, early intervention and targeted support in schools and community settings
• Offer advice and practical support on physical, emotional and developmental health
• Work with schools, families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes
• Facilitate health education activities, group sessions and wellbeing programmes
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, keeping children at the centre of practice
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to improving the School Health Service

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Customer-focused approach

Knowledge of child development

IT systems and databases

Organisation and workload management

Education

Level 5 foundation degree in child development

Level 2 Functional Skills in literacy and numeracy; GCSE English and maths (A–C/4–9)

Job description

The Assistant Practitioner works in the East Sussex School Health Service at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, based in Polegate. The role provides health promotion, early intervention and practical support for children, young people and families, working with schools and partner agencies. Work spans schools, clinics and community settings across East Sussex, including group health education and safeguarding responses. Applications are restricted to current staff or bank workers in named Kent and Medway organisations; the post also requires Level 5 child-development study or equivalent experience, Level 2 English and maths, and independent travel with a full UK or EU driving licence.

What the job involves

• Support children, young people and families to improve health, wellbeing and resilience
• Provide health promotion, early intervention and targeted support in schools and community settings
• Offer advice and practical support on physical, emotional and developmental health
• Work with schools, families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes
• Facilitate health education activities, group sessions and wellbeing programmes
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, keeping children at the centre of practice
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to improving the School Health Service

What’s required

Qualifications

• Level 5 foundation degree-level study in child development, or equivalent-level experience
• Level 2 Functional Skills in literacy and numeracy, GCSE English and maths at grades A–C/4–9, or equivalent

Experience

• Recent child-development experience gained through education, work experience or previous employment

Skills & knowledge

• Verbal and written communication that takes cultural and language differences into account
• Customer-focused approach supporting positive experiences, Trust representation and collaboration with colleagues and teams
• Good knowledge of child development
• Ability to use IT systems and databases
• Ability to remain professional under pressure and organise and prioritise workload

Checks & eligibility

• Full valid UK or EU driving licence

Other

• Ability to travel independently
• Currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts, the Kent and Medway ICB or Medway Community Healthcare, or working on a staff bank within these organisations

What’s offered

• Flexible working arrangements are welcomed