Family Support Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Felixstowe; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Family Support Practitioner to join the Coastal North Family Support Team. This role involves working collaboratively with children, young people, and families in various community settings, utilizing the Suffolk Signs of Safety approach. The ideal candidate will have experience in family support, a solution-focused mindset, and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people, and families.
• Passion for promoting the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Solution-focused approach to working with families.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload working with children, young people, and families.
• Facilitate Family Time and liaise with other professionals.
• Undertake administrative tasks such as developing plans and maintaining records.

Skills

Experience working with children, young people, and families

Solution-focused approach

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Inclusive and empathic attitude

Job description

We're focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say, and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Family Support Practitioner (FSP) in the Coastal North Family Support Team, you'll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. Connect with us to make a positive impact and explore a fantastic career.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Family Support Practitioner in the Coastal Family Support Team, you will use the Suffolk Signs of Safety approach. Your responsibilities include holding a caseload working with children, young people, and families in the community, including schools and family homes. You will undertake admin tasks such as developing plans, chairing meetings, and maintaining records. Additionally, you will facilitate Family Time (supervised contact), liaise with other professionals, and deliver bespoke work alongside social care teams.

You will need to travel to various locations around Suffolk.

You will need:

• Experience working with children, young people, and families.
• A passion for promoting the best outcomes for children and young people.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A solution-focused approach to working with families.
• An inclusive, empathic, adaptable, can-do attitude.

Full requirements are available in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply—even if you don't meet all requirements. We welcome your application.

The team

The team includes Family Support Practitioners, Young Person Workers, Senior Family Support Practitioner, Practice Leads, and a Practice Manager, all dedicated to delivering the Family Support Core offer to families. We are a friendly, supportive team that works collaboratively, sharing office space with social care and Business support colleagues. We provide regular case supervision and wellbeing support, along with diverse learning opportunities.

Our values

We believe in potential, possibility, and the power of diverse ideas. We aim to represent the communities we serve and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, as highlighted in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Contact Deanne Smith or Lorna Lyle at 01394 605060 or via email at [e-mail] or [e-mail].

How to apply

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement answering the questions below (max 400 words per question) using the Supporting Statement template:

• How do you promote the best outcomes for children and young people? Provide an example.
• Describe a time you used a solution-focused approach with a family. What strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?
• Give an example of managing administrative tasks like planning, chairing meetings, and record-keeping.
• How do you manage your time and travel commitments effectively?
• How do you promote equality, diversity, and inclusion? Provide an example.

For any adjustments to the application process due to disability, contact 03456 014412 or [e-mail].

We value authentic applications and request that your submission reflects your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being AI-generated may be rejected.

Closing date: 11:30 pm, 2 June 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting are required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid