Assistant Practitioner

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an Assistant Practitioner (Healthy Families) to join our Public Health Nursing Service in Somerset. The role involves providing practical support, early intervention and health promotion to children, young people, and families.

You will work with Health Visitors, School Nurses and partners across community settings to assess needs, support care plans, and promote safeguarding and healthy development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people and families within health, education or community settings.
• Understanding of child development and wellbeing factors.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and keeping children safe.
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse families.
• Excellent communication and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide health and wellbeing support to children, young people and families.
• Deliver health promotion and interventions under supervision of Health Visitor or School Nurse.
• Contribute to assessments and plans of care, supporting early intervention.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and inclusive practices.
• Work with schools and partner agencies to provide joined-up support.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to meetings and service improvements.

Skills

Experience with families

Child development knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Record keeping

Inclusion & equality

Education

Level 4 qualification

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Job description

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Job Title: Assistant Practitioner (Healthy Families)

Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £29,542 – £33,119 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term – 2 Years.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Join us on our mission to give every child the best possible start in life in Somerset.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the health, wellbeing and development of children, young people and families across Somerset. Working as part of our Public Health Nursing Service, you will provide practical support, early intervention and health promotion activities that help children have the best start in life and families thrive.

Working under the guidance of Health Visitors and School Nurses, you will support families to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, contribute to assessments and interventions, and help ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

About the Role

As an Assistant Practitioner (Healthy Families), you will work alongside Health Visitors, School Nurses and wider multi-agency partners to deliver early intervention and preventative support for children, young people and their families.

You will provide direct support to families through health promotion, wellbeing interventions and practical advice, while contributing to assessments and agreed plans of care. You'll work across a variety of community settings, including Family Hubs, schools, clinics and family homes, helping children and families access the support they need to improve outcomes and achieve their full potential.

As part of a dedicated and supportive team, you'll play an important role in safeguarding children, promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting school readiness and contributing to Somerset's Best Start in Life and FOREST ambitions including that children achieve their best level of development.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference, enjoy building relationships with families and partners, and want to be part of an innovative service supporting children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Work directly with children, young people and families to provide health and wellbeing support and promote positive outcomes.
• 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, helping to identify needs and support early intervention.
• Promote healthy lifestyles, including movement, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and wider health improvement messages.
• Support children and families to make positive changes that improve health, wellbeing and development outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with schools, Best Start in Life Family Hubs, healthcare professionals and partner agencies including Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to provide joined-up support.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and carers, ensuring support is family-centred and inclusive.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following local and national procedures.
• Facilitate group sessions, workshops and community-based activities that support children and families.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to meetings, service improvement activities and multidisciplinary working.

What You'll Bring

• Experience working with children, young people and families within health, education, early years, family support or community settings.
• Understanding of child development, health promotion and the factors that influence children's wellbeing and outcomes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to keeping children safe.
• Experience of building positive relationships with children, families and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, engage and support others.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Confidence in maintaining accurate records and following policies, procedures and evidence-based practice.
• A Level 4 qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field, alongside Level 2 English and Maths.
• A compassionate, resilient and values-led approach, with a commitment to inclusion, equality and improving outcomes for children and families.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchaseadditional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's mostenhancedand secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangementstosupportwork-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• 30 day’s annual leave (additionalto bank holidays).
• 8 positions available. Each located in different localities across Somerset.
• Linked to a locality but with the expectation that casework is needs based and can be across Somerset.
• Interviews scheduled from 2nd November 2026.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.