Family Help Universal Practitioner

East Riding of Yorkshire Council; Market Weighton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is seeking a Family Help – Universal Practitioner to work within Best Start Family Hubs, delivering practical, strengths-based support to children and families in the local community.

You will visit homes, schools and community settings, run group-based sessions, and contribute to family plans, aiming to prevent escalation and promote early, family-led solutions with empathy and teamwork.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent required.
• Experience working with children and families in professional, voluntary or personal capacity.
• Understanding child development (0–5 years).
• Flexible availability including occasional early mornings, evenings or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based sessions and programmes for children and parent carers.
• Support babies and children's basic care and development.
• Contribute to assessments, family plans and multi‑agency meetings.
• Build strong, professional relationships with families and partners.
• Advocate for the voice of the child in all aspects of work.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

Job description

The job itself

Join Our Team as a Family Help – Universal Practitioner

Are you passionate about supporting children and families to thrive? Do you want to be part of a forward-thinking service that puts relationships, early intervention, and family-led solutions at the heart of everything we do?

We’re looking for a Family Help – Universal Practitioner to join our dedicated locality teams in East Riding of Yorkshire Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families by delivering practical, strengths-based support that prevents needs from escalating.

About the Role

As a Universal Practitioner, you’ll work directly with children and families to provide practical support, deliver group-based interventions, and help families make sustainable changes. You’ll be based in Best Start Family Hubs and the community-working in homes, schools, and other local settings to ensure support is accessible and responsive.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based sessions, programmes and courses for children and their parent carers to support 1001 Critical Days, giving children the best start in life.
• Support babies and children’s basic care and developmental needs, by modelling positive parenting approaches, encouraging bonding and attachment, and supporting all areas of development with a focus on early communication, home learning and school readiness.
• Contribute to assessments, family plans, and multi-agency meetings.
• Build strong, professional relationships with families and partners.
• Advocate for the voice of the child in all aspects of your work.

This is a frontline role where your ability to engage, empathise, and empower will be key to achieving positive outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who:

• Holds an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Has experience working with children and families in a professional, voluntary, or personal capacity.
• Understands child development, with a focus on conception to 5 years,
• Understands the challenges families face.
• Can deliver parenting support and group interventions.
• Is confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Has a flexible approach, including availability for some early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
• Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle to enable working across the locality.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a service aligned with national reforms and the Best Start in Life vision.
• Work in a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven environment.
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Help shape the future of Family Help in East Riding.