Suffolk County Council
Family Time Practitioner
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- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Bury Family Time Centre, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6AH - Onsite working
- Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rate for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
- Contract: Fixed term or Secondment for 12 months - Project/task to support Family Time.
At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.
When you join us as a Family Time Practitioner, you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk.
Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?
Your role and responsibilities
You will play a crucial role in supporting families and ensuring that children have safe and positive Family Time sessions with their parents.
On a typical day, you might:
- supervise and facilitate Family Time sessions, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and their families
- observe and assess interactions between children and their parents, offering feedback and support where appropriate
- maintain accurate and detailed records of observations and outcomes from each session
- collaborate closely with Social Workers and other professionals to ensure the needs of children and families are met
- support Family Time sessions in a variety of settings, including Family Time Centres, Family Hubs, community venues, or within family homes
- transport babies and children to and from Family Time sessions, sometimes across a wide geographical area, including out-of-county locations
- conduct home visits and provide practical support to families involved in child in need plans, care proceedings, or court processes.
Your dedication and compassion will help create positive experiences for families and contribute to their overall well-being.
You will bring:
- experience working with children and families in a supportive role
- strong observational and assessment skills
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- a full valid driving licence and have access to personal transport with the need for business insurance.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22876.Family.Time.Practitioners.JPP.docx]. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
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The team
Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Suffolk. We are motivated by our shared values of empathy, respect, and collaboration. We take pride in our supportive and inclusive culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/the-councils-equality-and-inclusion-commitment-to-you].
For more information
Please contact Phill Pugh for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 758288 or emailing Phillip.Pugh@suffolk.gov.uk [Phillip.Pugh@suffolk.gov.uk].
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22876.Family.Time.Practitioners.JPP.docx]
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/Other-Docs/SupportingStatementTemplate.docx].
- Tell us about a time you supported a child or young person during a difficult situation. How did you ensure their safety and emotional wellbeing?
- Give an example of a time you had to de-escalate a challenging situation with a parent or carer. What strategies did you use?
- This role involves transporting children across a wide geographical area. Can you describe how you manage your time and ensure children are transported safely and calmly?
- Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
- How do you ensure your communication is clear, respectful, and appropriate when working with families from diverse backgrounds?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
Get help with your application
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For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/657088].
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/764097] to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/757078]. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 26 August 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) [https://careers.suffolk.gov.uk/].
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