Family Practitioner

Action for Children; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave and leave options

Professional training opportunities

Parental leave options

Employer pension contribution 5%

Blue Light Card discounts

Wellbeing Day

Job summary

Action for Children in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Family Practitioner on a fixed term 12‑month contract, full time (37 hours per week). The role focuses on delivering early intervention and group programmes to support children, young people and families awaiting specialist CYP services.

You will facilitate structured groups, adapt sessions for SEN, collaborate with schools and health partners, maintain records, and help build resilience and wellbeing in families.

Qualifications

• Experience facilitating groups and supporting families.
• Experience with children and young people with SEN or related needs.
• Ability to work with multi‑agency partners and contribute to safeguarding and early intervention approaches.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, inclusive group programmes for children, young people, parents and carers, including Decider Skills, Togetherness (Understanding Your Child), Sleep Programmes and other evidence‑based interventions.
• Provide early intervention support for families awaiting specialist CYP services, offering practical advice, guidance and tailored strategies that build resilience and improve wellbeing.
• Adapt content and delivery to meet the needs of children and young people with SEN, including autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences, ensuring sessions are accessible, welcoming and responsive.
• Work collaboratively with schools, health professionals and partner agencies, contributing to coordinated support plans, multi‑agency meetings and safeguarding processes while advocating for the needs and voices of children and young people.
• Maintain high‑quality records and monitor outcomes, identifying strengths, needs and appropriate support pathways in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements.

Skills

Group facilitation

Family support

SEN experience

Engagement skills

Job description

Family Practitioner

Salary: £26,006.84 per annum

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Contract/Hours: Fixed Term contract for 12 months / Full Time – 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)

Closing date will be midnight of Sunday 20th September and interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place on week commencing 28th September

Benefits:

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
• As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, you’ll receive a paid annual Wellbeing Day to use however you choose, supporting a healthy balance between work and life.
• Parking is available at most hubs, and when staff do need to pay for parking while working city‑wide, these costs are reimbursed

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children, young people and families? Do you have experience facilitating groups, supporting families, and working with children and young people with a range of needs, including Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

If so, this Family Practitioner role offers a meaningful opportunity to deliver early intervention and support to children, young people and families awaiting access to Children and Young People’s services (CYP’s).

As a Family Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in supporting families while they wait for specialist CYP services. You’ll deliver evidence‑based group programmes and family‑focused interventions that build resilience, strengthen relationships, and equip families with practical tools to improve wellbeing.

You’ll facilitate a range of structured group programmes, including:

• Decider Skills – supporting children and young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience and coping strategies.
• Togetherness (Understanding Your Child) – helping parents and carers deepen their understanding of their child’s needs and behaviours.
• Incredible Years Autism – designed for parents and caregivers of children aged 2–5 with autism or significant language delays.
• Sleep Programmes – offering practical guidance to improve sleep routines and overall family wellbeing.

Alongside group delivery, you’ll provide early intervention and support to families with a wide range of needs, including SEN. You’ll work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners, contribute to coordinated support plans, and bring a proactive, compassionate approach to helping families navigate challenges and build positive futures.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is confident in group facilitation, experienced in family support, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people and their families.

About the Service

Our Newcastle Early Years Cluster provides high‑quality Early Help support for children, young people and families across the city. Working in close partnership with the local authority, health services, schools and community organisations, we deliver joined‑up, trauma‑informed support that responds to local needs and strengthens outcomes for families. Our work is rooted in strong multi‑agency collaboration, a commitment to safeguarding, and a focus on providing accessible, effective early intervention.

What you do could make a difference

• Deliver engaging, inclusive group programmes for children, young people, parents and carers, including Decider Skills, Togetherness (Understanding Your Child), Sleep Programmes and other evidence‑based interventions.
• Provide early intervention support for families awaiting specialist CYP services, offering practical advice, guidance and tailored strategies that build resilience and improve wellbeing.
• Adapt content and delivery to meet the needs of children and young people with SEN, including autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences, ensuring sessions are accessible, welcoming and responsive.
• Work collaboratively with schools, health professionals and partner agencies, contributing to coordinated support plans, multi‑agency meetings and safeguarding processes while advocating for the needs and voices of children and young people.
• Maintain high‑quality records and monitor outcomes, identifying strengths, needs and appropriate support pathways in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements.

Let’s talk about you

• Experience supporting children, young people and families, including delivering or facilitating group‑based programmes.
• Strong understanding of SEN and confidence adapting communication and session delivery to meet diverse needs.
• Excellent relationship‑building and engagement skills, creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments.
• Ability to work effectively within multi‑disciplinary teams, with sound knowledge of safeguarding, child development and family support approaches.
• An organised, proactive approach and a genuine commitment to early intervention, prevention and empowering families.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

Weactivelyencourageapplications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under‑represented within

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