Family Support Practitioner

Job Description 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide intensive family support services to children, young people, and families in their homes and local communities, supporting positive change and improved outcomes. The role involves working directly with families using practical, relationship-based approaches, delivering targeted interventions, and facilitating Family Time (Supervised Contact) arrangements to support safeguarding and court processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with children, young people, and families in home and community settings to deliver practical and targeted family support interventions.
• Build positive and effective relationships with families to promote sustainable change and improved outcomes.
• Undertake Family Time (Supervised Contact) sessions, including transporting children safely and observing parent-child interactions.
• Produce accurate and objective observations and reports to support court proceedings and care planning.
• Support families to develop routines, parenting skills, boundaries, and safer home environments.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, schools, health professionals, and partner agencies to deliver coordinated support plans.
• Carry out direct work with children and young people in line with agreed plans and identified needs.
• Maintain accurate case recordings, reports, and records in line with service standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Manage a varied caseload effectively and prioritise work in line with risk and service demands.
• Participate in joint visits, shadowing, team meetings, supervision, and training activities as required.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with safeguarding legislation, policies, and professional standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working directly with families, children, and young people in a family support, safeguarding, or social care setting.
• Experience delivering direct interventions and practical support within family homes.
• Experience undertaking supervised contact / Family Time sessions and producing written observations or reports.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and family support practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage challenging situations professionally.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with multi agency professionals.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and case documentation.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle is essential, as approximately 70% of the role involves travel.

Additional Information

• Locations: South Suffolk (Sudbury), Central (Stowmarket), Coastal North (Leiston and Saxmundham), and West Area (Forest Heath)
• Office Attendance: Initial office-based attendance required for induction, shadowing, and joint visits