Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of children and their families, are you passionate about the work you do and able to work in a person centred way? If so then we welcome you to apply for our Family support Practitioner vacancy.
We are a Residential Family Assessment Centre that assesses, guides and supports parents to develop the skills required to provide safe care to their children. Families are placed with us over a 12-14 week period whilst their parenting ability is assessed following which we provide an evidence based parenting assessment to the placing Local Authority and court.
Shifts run from 07.45 to 20.00 one week and 08:45 to 21.00 the following week you will work three 12hour shifts each week and will include some weekends.
Your role will involve you directly supporting parents to understand the care needs of their children, completing direct work sessions, providing emotional and therapeutic support and guidance whilst working in a non judgemental manner.
Safeguarding the children placed with us remains our central focus at all times therefore you must be confident in recognising and raising safeguarding concerns and following safeguarding procedures. Our role is not to care for the children but to ensure their parents are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to their needs in a safe, consistent and timely manner.
We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families at all times and comply with all first steps company policies and procedures. Our work is trauma informed and individual to each family placed with us. Successful candidates will work directly with families and will be contributing to the family assessment by way of their support and guidance to parents, observations, monitoring and recording.
You must have experience of supporting children and their families ideally from either a family assessment or local authority support role.
A diploma (level 3) or equivalent in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) is a distinct advantage however we will support you in undertaking the level 4 residential children and families diploma.
First Steps is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of right to work in the UK. First Steps is an equal opportunities employer.
Person Specification:
Essential
* Experience of direct work with children and families
* Resilient, compassionate, creative and motivated person
* Ability to use a computer and complete typing as most information is recorded in electronic form
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written, ability to engage parents and children
* You must be empathetic and person centred
* Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental
* Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
* Ability to contribute to the successful delivery of the service
* Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and confidence to follow them
* You must be a driver and have business insurance
Desirable
* Enhanced DBS on the update service
* GCSE in Maths and English at C Grade or above
* Previous experience in local authority or community family centre
* NVQ or Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent
* Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as Pediatric First Aid trained
Duties and Responsibilities:
* To support, empower and guide parents
* To work alongside and in partnership with team members and other professionals (Social Workers, Police, Education, and Health) to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence.
* Keep up to date and accurate monitoring and records of the family's progress plus any incidents.
* Attend regular supervision seminars and staff meetings, actively pursue relevant qualifications and undertake training as required developing the post holders own skills.
* Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies.
* Contribute to and maintain a high level of recording and report writing, and contribute in meetings as required to assist in planning to meet the needs of children and their families.
* Support parents to respond to their children safely and timely
* Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift.
* Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required by the manager to assist the functioning of the care home or care towards children at that time.
* Understand and adhere to First Steps Policies and Procedures.
* Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 202 as amended.
* Such other duties as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.00-£13.50 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 36.5 per week
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
* working with children and families: 2 years (required)
* family support work: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 15/11/2025