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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families through practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Join Action for Children, a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, professional development, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 or equivalent, with experience in family support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 26006 - 26006 £ per year.
Salary: £26,006.84 per annum.
Location: Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
Contract/Hours: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2027 / Full Time - 37 hours per week.
Benefits:
- 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays pro rata, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
- Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
- Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
- Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers’ discounts.
Vulnerable children in the UK need your help. Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK. Last year, we helped more than 687,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.
Why Action for Children? Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.
A bit about the role: Join our team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in Downpatrick. Downpatrick Family Support Project provides early intervention services for children, young people, and their families. We offer a wide range of family supports for parents and children aged 0–18 years, helping to strengthen family relationships, promote wellbeing, and build resilience. The project offers individual and group work for parents and children; support can be delivered both at home or in school.
How you'll help to create brighter futures:
- Work directly with families to provide regular, practical, and emotional support.
- Promote and enhance the social and emotional development of children.
- Identify needs at an early stage and ensure the provision of timely, appropriate support.
- Support families with issues such as family breakdown and challenging behaviours.
- Contribute to positive outcomes for children, young people, and the wider family unit.
Let's talk about you. Ideally, you will have:
- Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 or above or equivalent/related health, counselling, or social care qualification.
- Experience of direct work/engagement with children and families.
- Good report writing skills.
- Good working knowledge of safeguarding.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent IT skills including use of Microsoft (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
- Registration or the willingness to register with NISCC.
- Full UK Driving Licence is required as there is travel involved in this role.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving the lives of children and families and who wants to be part of a small supportive, dedicated team.
Contact: recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 12937.
Closing Date: Thursday 16th April 2026.
Please note: Interviews are planned to be held week commencing 20th April 2026.
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion: At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children. Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.
Want to know more about Action for Children? Find us on Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.
Family Support Practitioner Downpatrick, County Down, United Kingdom Posted on 04/02/2026 Be th[...] employer: Action for Children
Contact Detail:
Action for Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Practitioner Downpatrick, County Down, United Kingdom Posted on 04/02/2026 Be th[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and practising common questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and get feedback on your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting vulnerable children and families. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Practitioner Downpatrick, County Down, United Kingdom Posted on 04/02/2026 Be th[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Family Support Practitioner role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your work with children and families.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about helping vulnerable children and how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, make sure your application is clear and well-structured. This will demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively, which is crucial for working with families.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Family Support Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as providing emotional support and promoting social development for children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've engaged directly with children and families. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to make a positive impact, which is crucial for this role.
✨Brush Up on Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a vital part of this job, ensure you're up-to-date with current policies and practices. Be ready to discuss how you would handle safeguarding issues and why they are important. This shows that you take the responsibility seriously and are prepared for the challenges of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the team dynamics or the specific challenges the project faces. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.