Family Support Practitioner

Service Care Solutions; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Family Support Practitioner in Ipswich to work with children and families, using early intervention strategies and multi-agency support. The role involves direct engagement with families to address various concerns, requiring strong communication and collaborative skills. Applicants should hold a Level 3 practitioner qualification and have relevant experience in safeguarding and child protection. The position is full-time with a temporary contract lasting three months and offers a competitive hourly wage.

Benefits

£250 referral bonus

Qualifications

• Relevant experience working directly with children, young people and families.
• Knowledge of early intervention and preventative approaches.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with families to address early signs of concerns.
• Use frameworks to assess and plan interventions.
• Maintain accurate electronic records.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to assess needs

Accurate record keeping

Collaborative approach

Education

Level 3 practitioner qualification or equivalent

Job description

Family Support Practitioner

Location: Ipswich

Client: Suffolk County Council

Contract Type: Temporary (3 months)

Hours: Full-time (37 hours)

Salary: £14.82 per hour (PAYE) / £19.73 per hour (Umbrella)

About the Role

The Family Support Practitioner role sits within the South Suffolk Family Support Team and focuses on early intervention and targeted family support. The postholder will work directly with children, young people and families to promote safety, wellbeing and sustainable positive change, using the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing Framework. The role supports families at various levels of need and works closely with Social Care and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with children, young people and families to address early signs of social, emotional, health or behavioural concerns
• Use the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework to assess, plan and review interventions
• Act as Lead Professional for named families where required, coordinating multi‑agency support
• Participate in CAF, multi‑agency and statutory assessment processes as appropriate
• Deliver evidence‑based and bespoke interventions, including group work and supervised contact
• Maintain accurate, timely electronic records and contribute to quality assurance processes
• Identify safeguarding and risk concerns and elevate appropriately
• Provide information, advice and signposting to universal and specialist services
• Build effective working relationships with partner agencies and community services
• Work in family homes and a range of community settings
• Transport children and young people where required by the role

Experience & Knowledge

• Relevant experience working directly with children, young people and families
• Knowledge of early intervention and preventative approaches
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and risk management
• Awareness of social, emotional and developmental factors affecting children
• Experience of solution‑focused and strengths‑based practice
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and multi‑agency working (desirable)
• Experience using Signs of Safety and Wellbeing frameworks (desirable)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage and de‑escalate challenging situations
• Ability to assess needs, identify risks and focus on solutions
• Accurate record keeping and report writing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload
• Collaborative approach to working with families, colleagues and partner agencies
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to use plain language and communicate effectively with diverse groups

Additional Requirements

• Level 3 practitioner qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Willingness to work flexibly across locations, including rural areas
• Enhanced DBS check required
• Willingness to undertake ongoing training and professional development
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Travel may be required; driving licence and access to transport may be desirable depending on deployment

If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.

At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.

To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on (phone number removed) or email on (url removed)