Family Support Practitioner – Public Sector (via Optima Staffing Solutions)
Location: Hybrid / Community-based across Suffolk (initial need in Sudbury, Stowmarket, Leiston/Saxmundham, Forest Heath)
Contract: Full time, 37 hours per week
Start: 5 January 2026
End: 27 March 2026
IR35: Inside IR35
Pay: £14.82–£17.47 PAYE / £19.73–£23.37 Umbrella
Optima Staffing Solutions is supporting our public sector client in Suffolk to source experienced Family Support Practitioners to provide temporary cover within Children & Young People services.
This role involves direct work with children, young people and families, delivering practical, solution-focused interventions within family homes and the community. You will support meaningful change, early help, and supervised family time (contact), including transporting children and recording observations.
Key Responsibilities
* Work directly with families using the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework.
* Deliver early help and preventative interventions tailored to family needs.
* Contribute to assessments, planning and reviews.
* Act as Lead Professional for allocated families when required.
* Deliver supervised contact sessions, including transportation and observation.
* Maintain accurate, timely case notes and reports.
* Collaborate with multi-agency partners across education, health and social care.
* Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns without delay.
Essential Requirements
* Minimum 3 years’ experience working directly with children, young people and families.
* Car driver with access to a vehicle — approximately 70% of the role involves travel.
* Strong understanding of early intervention and safeguarding.
* Ability to manage a varied caseload independently.
* Skilled in de-escalation, engagement and effective communication.
About the Service
You will be part of a dynamic Family Support service delivering early help, preventative support and targeted interventions to improve outcomes related to safety, stability, wellbeing and development. The role supports service demand during a temporary period of organisational restructuring.