Family Support Practitioner

Family Support Practitioner

Salary: £26,006.84 per annum.

Location: Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.

Contract/Hours: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2027 / Full Time - 37 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays pro rata, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
• Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers' discounts.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 687,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in Downpatrick.

Downpatrick Family Support Project provides early intervention services for children, young people, and their families. We offer a wide range of family supports for parents and children aged 0-18 years, helping to strengthen family relationships, promote wellbeing, and build resilience.

The project offers Individual and group work for parents and children, support can be delivered both at home or in school.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

• Work directly with families to provide regular, practical, and emotional support.
• Promote and enhance the social and emotional development of children.
• Identify needs at an early stage and ensure the provision of timely, appropriate support.
• Support families with issues such as family breakdown and challenging behaviours.
• Contribute to positive outcomes for children, young people, and the wider family unit.

Let's talk about you

Ideally you will have:

• Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 or above or equivalent/related health, counselling, or social care qualification.
• Experience of direct work/engagement with children and families.
• Good report writing skills.
• Good working knowledge of safeguarding.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills including use of Microsoft (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Registration or the willingness to register with NISCC.
• Full UK Driving Licence is required as there is travel involved in this role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving the lives of children and families and who wants to be part of a small supportive, dedicated team.

Contact: quoting reference 12937.

Closing Date: Thursday 16th April 2026.

Please note: Interviews are planned to be held week commencing 20th April 2026.

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool

We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather, we didn't.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Want to know more about Action for Children?

Find us on Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

Job Description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Action for Children Northern Ireland Booklet