Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings together the Public Health Nursing Service (Health Visitors and School Nurses) and the Family Support Service. Our mission is to help children and families get the best possible start in life, develop well, and thrive.
We provide a wide range of services, information, and support to families with children aged up to five years, focusing on key areas of family life and early childhood development.
The Role
As a Family Support Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting parents and carers of children under five, encouraging involvement in their children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. You will work closely with families, particularly those who are most vulnerable or harder to reach, and build strong links within the local community.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting hard-to-reach and vulnerable families
Delivering tailored one-to-one programmes of support to achieve positive outcomes for families
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, requiring a good level of computer literacy
Working in partnership with colleagues and external agencies
Engaging with all parents and carers, including expectant parents and young parents
Developing a strong understanding of local demographics, services, networks, and community resources
Some evening and occasional Saturday work will be required. Family Centres operate between 8:00am and 6:00pm.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you will need:
A minimum of Level 3 qualification in a recognised professional field such as health, education, childcare, social care, or an equivalent qualification
A sound understanding of the importance of safeguarding children
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience of working with families from a wide range of backgrounds
A valid UK driving licence and access to a car during working hours
Willingness to travel regularly, with appropriate business-use car insurance
An enhanced DBS check (required for this role)