Strengthening Families Practitioner - North

The Methodist Church in Britain; Wellingborough; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

LGPS retirement scheme with life cover

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is recruiting for a fixed-term role within the Strengthening Families service. The post focuses on intensive, multi-agency support for children, young people and families with complex needs, managing a caseload as lead professional or co-worker.

The role involves home-based work, creative evidence-based interventions and leading Team Around the Family meetings. Requirements include a Level 3 qualification or substantial experience, plus an enhanced DBS with

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in working with children, young people and families, or substantial experience in this area.
• Extensive hands-on experience of preventative work with children and families facing escalating, complex needs.
• Experience of partnership working and collaborating with other professionals.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of families as lead professional or co-worker
• Deliver structured one-to-one family support and group work
• Carry out whole-family needs and risk assessments and develop tailored support plans
• Coordinate services and partner agencies so families receive the right support at the right time
• Work intensively with families in their homes, using creative and evidence-based interventions
• Write assessments and support plans
• Provide practical advice on parenting, child development, household routines, and access to health, housing and employment support
• Take part in safeguarding processes, case reviews and multi-agency meetings
• Lead Team Around the Family meetings

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Relationship building

Flexibility & creativity

Teamwork & collaboration

Education

Level 3 qualification in children & families

Job description

This fixed-term post, running 18 months to March 2028, sits in the Strengthening Families service within Northamptonshire Children’s Trust's Children and Family Support Services. The work centres on intensive, multi-agency support for children, young people and families with complex needs, managing a caseload as lead professional or co-worker. Distinct features include home-based working, creative evidence-based interventions and leading Team Around the Family meetings. Fit turns on a Level 3 qualification or substantial experience in this area, plus an enhanced DBS with a Barred List check.

What the job involves

• Manage a caseload of families as lead professional or co-worker
• Deliver structured one-to-one family support and group work
• Carry out whole-family needs and risk assessments and develop tailored support plans
• Coordinate services and partner agencies so families receive the right support at the right time
• Work intensively with families in their homes, using creative and evidence-based interventions
• Write assessments and support plans
• Provide practical advice on parenting, child development, household routines, and access to health, housing and employment support
• Take part in safeguarding processes, case reviews and multi-agency meetings
• Lead Team Around the Family meetings

What's required

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in working with children, young people and families, or substantial experience in this area

Experience

• Extensive hands-on experience of preventative work with children and families facing escalating, complex needs
• Experience of partnership working and collaborating with other professionals

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including writing assessments and support plans
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with families
• Good understanding of evidence-based interventions and how they support positive change
• Flexibility and creativity in the support offered to families
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS certificate
• Barred List check

What's offered

• 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time), rising by 5 days after 5 years
• Local Government Pension Scheme, with life cover of 3 times annual salary from day one and ill-health pension protection
• Option to purchase up to 25 days' annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured, available 24/7 to the employee and immediate family
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers
• Flexible and family working arrangements, including enhanced maternity benefits
• Extensive learning, development and career opportunities
• Subsidised town centre car parking