Family Time Practitioner

• Suffolk County Council

• Address: Family Time Centre, Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ - Onsite

• Salary: £28,598 per annum pro rata

• Hours: 18.5 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? 

Working Hours

The available hours for this role are Wednesday afternoon, and all-day Thursday and Friday.  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 interactionsbetween children and their parents, offering feedback and support where appropriate
• maintain accurate and detailed recordsof observations and outcomes from each session
• collaborate closely with social workersand 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 visitsand 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). 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.

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. 

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 theJob and Person Profile (Word).

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 theSupporting Statement template. 

1. 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? 
2. Give an example of a time you had to de-escalate a challenging situation with a parent or carer. What strategies did you use?
3. 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?
4. Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take, and what was the result? 
5. How do you ensure your communication is clear, respectful, and appropriate when working with families from diverse backgrounds?

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or [email protected]

Closing date: 11.30pm, 16 October 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.