Student Health Visitor

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,990 - 37,877; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible working options

Job summary

Suffolk County Council seeks registered Nurses and Midwives for a 1-year fixed-term postgraduate training programme to become Health Visitors. This programme offers academic study paired with clinical placements, focusing on improving child and family outcomes in the community.

Candidates will develop essential skills to support families during critical developmental periods and have the opportunity to join a supportive team dedicated to public health. An attractive package including annual leave and career development opportunities is offered.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Part 1, Level 1) – NMC registered.
• Registered Midwife – NMC registered.
• Student Nurse or Midwife nearing qualification.

Responsibilities

• Train as a Health Visitor to support families.
• Complete holistic assessments of child development.
• Lead delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (0-5).

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Compassionate approach

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Level 7 qualification

Registered Nurse or Midwife

Job description

• Suffolk County Council
• Location: Various locations across Suffolk - Community based
• Salary: £34,434 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: 1-year Fixed term Postgraduate training programme from January to December 2027

Train to become a Health Visitor and help give every baby, child and family the best possible start in life

This is an exciting opportunity for registered Nurses and Midwives to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Health Visiting programme and begin a rewarding career in public health nursing.

You will join Suffolk's 0-19 Healthy Child Service and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to practise as a Health Visitor-supporting families, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities during the most critical years of a child's life.

This is a demanding but highly rewarding programme, combining academic study with clinical practice in a supportive, high-quality service.

About the programme

You will complete a full‑time postgraduate qualification (Level 7) in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge or Chelmsford).

Programme structure

• a combination of university‑based learning and clinical placements
• academic assignments and practice‑based assessments
• teaching delivered through a mix of online and on‑campus sessions

Throughout your training, you will be supported by:

• a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor
• experienced Health Visitors and practice educators
• structured clinical and safeguarding supervision

What you will learn to do

As part of your training, you will develop the skills to:

• build trusted relationships with families from pregnancy through early childhood
• lead delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (0‑5)
• complete holistic assessments of child development, parental wellbeing and family context
• identify need, risk and safeguarding concerns early and respond appropriately
• provide evidence‑based support tailored to differing levels of need
• work confidently with partners across health, education, social care and Family Hubs
• contribute to reducing inequalities and improving long‑term outcomes for children and families

The team

Suffolk's Healthy Child Service (0‑19) provides support from pregnancy through to young adulthood, focusing on prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities.

Health Visitors are specialist public health nurses who lead the Healthy Child Programme for children aged 0‑5, working in partnership with families and other professionals to ensure children have the best possible start in life.

We are building a service where compassionate, family‑focused practitioners feel confident to act, think critically and make a difference. You will join a supportive learning environment where both students and experienced practitioners can thrive.

What we're looking for

To apply, you must be one (or more) of the following:

• a Registered Nurse (Part 1, Level 1) – NMC registered
• a Registered Midwife – NMC registered
• a Student Nurse or Midwife nearing qualification (subject to meeting entry requirements)

Additional requirements

• the academic ability to study at Level 7
• an interest in public health and the factors affecting children, families and communities
• experience of working with children and families
• strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• a compassionate, proactive and solution‑focused approach
• a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families

Selection process

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to deliver a 10‑minute presentation demonstrating their understanding of public health practice and academic readiness for Level 7 study.

What we will offer you

This is a unique opportunity to gain a postgraduate qualification and start a career in specialist public health nursing.

In addition to the programme, you will receive structured support throughout your academic and clinical training, dedicated supervisors, and exposure to community and partner organisations. You will also be supported to apply for Grade 6 Health Visitor roles within Suffolk County Council after successful completion.

Why join us

• make a lasting impact on babies, children and families across Suffolk
• join a service focused on prevention, early intervention and outcomes
• develop as a confident, autonomous public health practitioner
• work in a supportive, learning‑focused environment
• be part of a service rated Good by CQC

Benefits

• 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

Equal Opportunity

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Contact

For more information, please contact Tara Saunders (she/her) at 01449 745191 or 07415 799474 or by emailing [e-mail].

Important dates

Closing date: 9 August 2026

Interview dates: 7, 8, 10, 16, 18 September 2026

Interview location: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.