Family Time Practitioners

Suffolk County Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government organization in Lowestoft is looking for a Casual Family Time Practitioner. This role requires creating nurturing environments where children can reconnect with their families, supporting family interactions, and transporting children as needed. Ideal candidates should have experience with children, excellent communication skills, and a valid driving license. A commitment to safeguarding children's welfare is essential. Enhanced rates apply on weekends.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Travel and lifestyle benefits

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Responsibilities

• Create safe, nurturing spaces where children can reconnect with their families.
• Be the calm in the storm, supporting families through emotionally charged moments.
• Collaborate with social workers and professionals to ensure every child’s voice is heard.
• Be the trusted guide for children during Family Time.

Skills

Experience working with children and families in a supportive role

Strong observational and assessment skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations

A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

A full valid driving licence and access to personal transport

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council - Riverside Family Hub, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ - Community based

£14.82 per hour (plus enhanced rate at weekends of Saturdays time and one third and Sunday's time and two thirds (to be reviewed))

As and when required - no guaranteed hours

Casual

At Suffolk County Council, we are not just shaping services, we are shaping futures. As a Casual Family Time Practitioner, you will be at the heart of meaningful change, helping families reconnect and children thrive. Join a forward-thinking team that values innovation, compassion, and bold ideas.

Ready to make a difference that matters?

What is Family Time?

Family Time is more than just a scheduled visit, it\'s a lifeline. It enables children to maintain meaningful relationships with their families and those who matter most, while ensuring their safety and well-being. These sessions help rebuild trust, strengthen bonds, and support parents in their journey to grow.

Whether it\'s in a Family Time Centre, a community space, or virtually via phone or video call, you\'ll help facilitate moments that matter. You\'ll observe interactions, offer feedback, and help families build on advice to create stronger, healthier relationships.

Your Role

You will play a crucial role in supporting families and ensuring children have safe, positive Family Time sessions with their parents and siblings.

You will

• Create safe, nurturing spaces where children can reconnect with their families.
• Be the calm in the storm, supporting families through emotionally charged moments with empathy and professionalism.
• Collaborate with social workers and professionals to ensure every child\'s voice is heard and every need is met.
• Be the trusted guide for children during Family Time, ensuring their journey is safe, supported, and positive.

When You\'ll Work

We are looking for Casual Family Time Practitioners who can support our busiest times, especially afternoons after school, when children often need transporting to and from their foster placements. You will also occasionally cover weekends and late evenings, helping us ensure Family Time is accessible when families need it most.

This role involves transporting children, sometimes across Suffolk or even further afield. You will need to be comfortable with varied hours and confident behind the wheel, your reliability and care make all the difference in a child\'s day.

What You\'ll Bring

• Experience working with children and families in a supportive role
• Strong observational and assessment skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• A full valid driving licence and access to personal transport (with business insurance)

The Team

Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Suffolk. We\'re motivated by empathy, respect, and collaboration. We take pride in our supportive and inclusive culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\'re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact the relevant manager below for an informal discussion:

• Tina Williams (She/Her) by calling 07540 675217
• Jackie Glenwright (She/Her) by calling 07704 018370

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you describe a time you supported a child or young person through a difficult situation, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing?
2. Tell us about a time you managed a challenging situation with a parent or carer. What strategies did you use to de-escalate and communicate effectively, especially with families from diverse backgrounds?
3. This role involves transporting children across a wide area. How do you manage your time, ensure safe and calm journeys, and respond to any safeguarding concerns that may arise?

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or: [e-mail]

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 28 September 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\'re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you\'ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).