Children and Families Service – Family Support Practitioner
Job Description
About the Role
ViaR Recruitment is delighted to support the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in their search for a dedicated and compassionate Family Support Practitioner. In this essential role, you will work directly with children, young people, and families, assessing their social care needs and ensuring they receive appropriate support. You will be the key contact for families, providing valuable guidance and assistance in navigating available services, and ensuring that safeguarding concerns are handled in line with best practice.
The successful candidate will be an empathetic professional, able to address any concerns families may have, especially when it comes to social care involvement, and will act as a vital link in connecting families with early help services and support under the Local Offer.
Key Responsibilities
- Family Assessment: Work closely with families to develop a thorough understanding of their social care needs, identifying appropriate support, including advice, information, and practical help.
- Signposting & Guidance: Provide clear signposting to available services under the Local Offer and assist families in accessing early help services.
- Supportive Communication: Build rapport with families, being sensitive to any reluctance to share information, and ensuring they are comfortable with the support being offered.
- Safeguarding Vigilance: Remain alert to safeguarding concerns, ensuring that all relevant information is considered, and safeguarding practices are followed in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) and Safeguarding Disabled Children: Practice Guidance (2009) in consultation with the case manager.
- Collaboration: Work alongside other professionals, contributing to case management and safeguarding plans, ensuring comprehensive and integrated support for families.
Skills and Qualifications
- Essential:
- Experience in social care, family support, or a related field.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation, particularly Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015).
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with children, young people, and their families.
- Understanding of the Local Offer and early help services available to families.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- Desirable:
- Experience of working in a multi-agency setting, particularly in the context of family support.
- Qualification in social care, social work, or a related field.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation for disabled children.
Why Apply?
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people, and families. As a Family Support Practitioner, you will play a key role in ensuring families receive the support they need, fostering a positive and safe environment. You will join a supportive and collaborative team, working towards continuous improvement in service delivery and safeguarding practices.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about working with families and have the relevant experience and skills, we would love to hear from you! Please apply now or contact us for more information.