Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through creative play and learning activities.
- Company: Join the Cardinal Hume Centre, dedicated to tackling youth and family homelessness.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days' leave, wellbeing days, discounts, pension matching, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable experience in family services.
- Qualifications: Must have CACHE/NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in relevant fields and experience with children.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including some Saturdays, with travel expenses reimbursed.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.
We are looking to recruit an Assistant Family Services Practitioner to assist with the provision of our whole family holistic approach. You will plan and support safe, creative, inclusive, and appropriate play opportunities for children and young people from a range of age groups. In addition to this, you will work with the team to ensure that children are supported with their learning through activities such as after school, homework clubs, practical and other activities when required. You will also work with the team to assist with the development and delivery of the Family Services outreach offer which will require some travelling to other settings to deliver our services off site. These may include temporary accommodation hotels or community venues in Westminster. Additional travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Please note that this role requires flexibility to allow for changes to the weekly rota to meet the needs of our clients. The Family Centre is open on Saturdays and will require some Saturday working. The work pattern rotates from Tuesday – Saturday or Monday – Friday.
In your CV and cover letter, please answer the below questions and outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.
- Do you have a minimum CACHE/NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in: Playwork, Early Years Childcare and Education or Children and Young People’s workforce 0-19?
- Do you have a knowledge and understanding of the Playwork Principles and the importance of play in children’s development? Please describe briefly how you have used or might use this knowledge in your work.
- Do you have experience of working in a community setting with children and families? Please give some examples of your experience.
- Can you describe a successful play session you facilitated?
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We require job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration. This role requires an enhanced DBS check plus children’s barred list. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity.
Benefits
- 26 days’ leave rising to 28 days’ leave after two years’ service (pro rata for part time staff)
- Discretionary wellbeing and celebratory days
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts
- Pension: stakeholder pension scheme and we will match employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%.
- Life assurance cover (after probation passed)
- Season ticket loan
- Training and development opportunities
Closing date for applications: 9am Wednesday 9th July 2025
Interviews: W/C 14th July. Please note that a test will form part of the interview; if you are shortlisted, details will be provided to you in advance of the interview. If you’ve not heard from us three weeks after the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Assistant Family Services Practitioner employer: Cardinal Hume Centre
Contact Detail:
Cardinal Hume Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Family Services Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Playwork Principles and think about how you can apply them in your role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used these principles in past experiences will show your understanding and commitment to children's development.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of family services and child development. Attend local community events or workshops related to youth services, as this can help you gain insights and potentially connect with people who can refer you to opportunities at the Cardinal Hume Centre.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about successful play sessions you've facilitated. Be ready to share specific details about what made those sessions effective and how they contributed to children's learning and enjoyment.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Since the role requires working on Saturdays and adjusting to client needs, be prepared to discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you've successfully managed a flexible work schedule.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Family Services Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications, such as CACHE/NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Playwork or Early Years Childcare. Emphasise any experience you have working with children and families in community settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, directly address the questions posed in the job description. Explain how your knowledge of Playwork Principles has influenced your work and provide specific examples of successful play sessions you've facilitated.
Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your commitment to combating homelessness and supporting families.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardinal Hume Centre
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your genuine passion for tackling youth and family homelessness. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Playwork Principles
Be prepared to discuss the Playwork Principles and how they relate to children's development. Provide specific examples of how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in community settings.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since a test will be part of the interview, practice potential scenarios you might face as an Assistant Family Services Practitioner. Think about how you would plan and facilitate a successful play session, and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork
This role requires flexibility in working hours and collaboration with a team. Be ready to discuss your experience in adapting to changing schedules and how you work effectively within a team to support families and children.
