At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families experiencing domestic abuse with tailored interventions and holistic approaches.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives and rated Good by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Comprehensive induction, manageable caseload, ongoing training, and reflective supervision.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while working in a supportive and innovative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse and complex family dynamics, with a commitment to trauma-informed practice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath and North East Somerset Children’s Social Care are an innovative, small Local Authority with a strong focus on therapeutic assessment and support. We are proud to be rated Good by Ofsted, with a clear and ambitious vision to continue improving outcomes for children and families. Our practice model is systemic, relational, attachment-based and trauma-informed. From this foundation, we think differently about how we work with families and are deeply committed to delivering high-quality, tailored interventions that keep children safe and support lasting change. We prioritise early help and prevention, working collaboratively across services to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
About the Role: We are seeking a passionate and skilled domestic abuse Family Support Practitioner to join our New Way Service within the Family Support Plus Team. This is a unique and rewarding role where you will work directly with families experiencing domestic abuse, delivering interventions in line with our systemic and trauma-informed practice model. The New Way approach is informed by evidence-based interventions developed through B&NES’s participation in the National CHANGE Project, which explores effective ways of working with couples to reduce domestic conflict. You will work as part of a supportive and enthusiastic team including a Team Manager, Deputy Team Manager, Family Support Practitioners, and administrators.
What You’ll Do:
- Deliver and coordinate domestic abuse interventions to improve outcomes for children and families
- Work holistically with families using a systemic, relational, and trauma-informed approach
- Support individuals experiencing harm – focusing on safety, recovery, and empowerment
- Support individuals causing harm – supporting accountability, behaviour change, and safer parenting
- Facilitate sessions for couples (where safe to do so) to improve communication, reduce conflict, and promote child‑focused parenting
- Undertake risk assessments, safety planning, and case management
- Contribute to the ongoing development of innovative interventions aimed at preventing family breakdown and reducing the need for children to enter care
- Work closely with multi‑agency partners across health, education, adult services, and support services
- Co‑facilitate the Caring Dads Programme, supporting fathers to build safe and nurturing relationships with their children
- Undertake occasional evening work to support group programmes and family sessions
About You:
- Have relevant experience working with domestic abuse and complex family dynamics
- Demonstrate a strong interest in developing specialist practice in domestic abuse interventions
- Are committed to systemic, relational, attachment‑based, and trauma‑informed practice
- Can work confidently with both those experiencing harm and those causing harm, balancing support and challenge
- Are skilled at building relationships and working collaboratively with families and professionals
- Are reflective, resilient, and motivated to contribute to service development and innovation
What We Offer:
- A comprehensive induction programme
- A manageable caseload
- Regular reflective supervision
- Access to ongoing training and development within a learning‑focused organisation
- The opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking and innovative service making a real difference
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Rosemary Kiwanuka, Deputy Team Manager on 01225 396306 or email rosemary_kiwanuka@bathnes.gov.uk
Interview date: TBC
No Agencies Please.
Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.
Family Support Practitioner (New Way) employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As part of our SEND service, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment at the Keynsham Civic Centre.
Contact Details:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Practitioner (New Way)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Practitioner (New Way)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
