Lead Practitioner Family Help - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a Lead Practitioner for its Children’s Services in Torbay. The role involves developing targeted intervention plans and leading holistic approaches to safeguard children. Candidates should have experience working with children and families facing complex needs. A strong commitment to professional development and the ability to work flexibly are essential. The salary range is £31,537 - £34,434 per year.

Qualifications

• Strong background in working with children and families, especially those with complex needs.
• Confident in managing crisis situations.
• Understanding of basic human needs and issues facing families at risk.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children, young people, and families to develop bespoke intervention plans.
• Lead holistic, multi-agency approaches that reduce risk.
• Champion restorative practices to empower families.

Skills

Ability to carry out assessments

Ability to engage positively with children

Ability to offer appropriate support

Ability to challenge families appropriately

Ability to work effectively in a team

Education

GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above

Job description

Application Deadline: 18 August 2025

Department: Childrens Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £31,537 - £34,434 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Torbay? Torbay Council is recruiting Lead Practitioners across our dynamic Children’s Service, with exciting opportunities available in:

• Therapeutic Team.
• Exploitation Team.
• Family Intervention Team.
• Building Futures Team.
• Breathing Space Team.

Each team offers a unique opportunity to deliver targeted, evidence-based interventions that support children and families to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

As a Lead Practitioner, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to safeguard and support children in Torbay. You will:

• Work directly with children, young people, and families to develop and deliver bespoke intervention plans.
• Lead on holistic, multi-agency approaches that reduce risk and promote resilience.
• Champion restorative practice, building strong relationships that empower families to make sustainable changes.

This is a role where your skills, compassion, and creativity will have a real impact.

We’re seeking passionate and experienced professionals who:

• Have a strong background in working with children and families, especially those with complex needs or who have experienced trauma.
• Are confident in managing crisis situations and delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions.
• Understand the challenges faced by hard-to-reach groups, including those affected by:
  • Domestic abuse.
  • Mental health difficulties.
  • Criminal and sexual exploitation.
  • Gang affiliation and anti-social behaviour.
  • Substance misuse.
  • School exclusions.
  • SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
• Are committed to professional development and reflective practice.

We know this is a demanding role, which is why we invest in our people. You’ll have access to ongoing learning and development through the Torbay Children’s Services Learning Academy, helping you grow your expertise and career.

You’ll need the ability to travel efficiently across Torbay, the South West, and occasionally the UK, and having the flexibility to work unsociable hours and embrace hybrid working is essential.

Torbay Council’s Children’s Services is proud to have Registered Restorative Organisation status that is focused on building trust, empowering families, and working together to create lasting change. Join a team that values relationships, innovation, and impact.

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/lead-practitioner-family-help/

For an informal chat please contact Ellie Clark on 01803 208100 or [e-mail].

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 18th August 2025.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

• Ability to carry out assessments, plan and deliver needs-based packages of support.
• Ability to engage positively with children, young people and their parents.
• Ability to offer appropriate support to families affected by family breakdown, homelessness, child protection issues, drug and/or alcohol dependency, tenancy breakdown and non school attendance.
• Ability to challenge families appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and with other agencies.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Understanding of basic human needs, physical, emotional and social.
• Knowledge of Children’s Act 1989 and 2004, Adoption legislation, Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Parenting Orders and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
• Knowledge of issues facing families at risk of family breakdown.
• Self-awareness of own strengths and weaknesses.
  
  

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above or equivalent.
• Evidence of consistent pattern of learning from education, training and experience.
• Work in a health or social care environment (paid or unpaid) with children and young people.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families displaying challenging behaviour.
• Experience of health/social care needs and services.