Family Time Practitioner

Suffolk County Council

**Address**: Family Time Centre, Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ - Onsite
**Salary**: Grade 4 - £28,598 per annum (pro rate for part time)
**Hours**: 37 hours per week
**Contract**:Permanent

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?

Although the majority of family time sessions will be based in the North Locality, you will be expected to travel across the county and further afield.

**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.

**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**

**For more information**

Please contact the relevant manager below for an informal discussion:

- Caren Elvin - by calling 01502 674752
- Ian Rhodes - by calling 01473260476

**How to apply**

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

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.
- 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?

**Closing date**: 11.30pm, 3 September 2025

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 b