Family Support Practitioner

From 1 December 2025
the pay range for this role will be £33,699 - £39,152 Band 8 (pro rata for part time colleagues). To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on,
'More than just a job' brochure

About Aspire Adoption
Aspire Regional Adoption Agency delivers adoption services for BCP and Dorset Council's. Hosted by BCP, employees have the benefits of LA terms and conditions. We use innovative and creative ways of working to ensure that we offer the best possible services and outcomes those whose lives have been touched by adoption. If you are interested in high quality, evidenced practise, and training in therapeutic work, we could be the agency for you.

Post Adoption Support Team
The Post Adoption Team provide support to adoptive families, and those affected by adoption.

Role Purpose
To provide high-quality, child-centred support to adoptive families and children. The Family Support Practitioner works collaboratively with social workers, education professionals, and health services to promote stability, resilience, and positive outcomes for children and families affected by adoption. This role contributes to the delivery of post-adoption support services, including therapeutic interventions, life story work, contact arrangements, and group-based support, helping families navigate challenges and strengthen relationships.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide Direct Support to Families:

• Offer emotional and practical support to adoptive families and children.

• Help families navigate challenges related to attachment, trauma, identity, and transitions.

• Facilitate Keeping In Touch Arrangements:

• Support and manage direct and indirect contact between adopted children and birth relatives.

• Mediate and monitor contact sessions where appropriate.

• Deliver Therapeutic Interventions:

• Assist in life story work and therapeutic play.

• Support children in understanding their adoption journey and identity.

• Group Work and Peer Support:

• Organise and facilitate support groups, workshops, and events for adoptive families and children.

• Promote peer-to-peer support networks.

• Collaborate with Professionals:

• Work closely with social workers, schools, health professionals, and voluntary agencies.

• Attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to care planning.

• Safeguarding and Risk Management:

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance.

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to assessments and reviews.

• Promote Stability and Permanence:

• Support placement stability through early intervention and crisis support.

• Help families access specialist services and resources.

• Advocacy and Empowerment:

• Advocate for the needs of adopted children and their families.

• Empower families to build resilience and confidence in parenting.

Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum NVQ level 3 or above in a related field or equivalent experience
• Sound knowledge of child development (0-11years) and/or adolescence.
• Experience in completing observations, written assessments and making evidence based decisions.
• Experience in delivering direct interventions that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Ability to build supportive, positive and trusting relationships
• Committed to continuous professional development and able to coach/mentor others.
• Solutions-focused with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to plan and organise workload in a changing environment with competing demands.

Job Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check
• Ability to travel across BCP and Dorset council areas using own transport

We are particularly interested in hearing from those that have qualifications in therapeutic interventions, such as Theraplay or Therapeutic Lifestory work.

About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we're not just building a workforce—
we're transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP

DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.