Family Practitioner – Prevention & Early Help – AR in London

The Family Practitioner will work as part of Lewisham Council's Prevention & Early Help Team within the Pathfinder programme, providing intensive, family-centred support to children, young people, and families experiencing multiple and complex challenges. The role aims to improve outcomes for children, reduce risk, prevent escalation to statutory services, and support families to make and sustain positive changes. The post holder will work directly with families in their homes and communities, using relationship‐based, restorative, trauma‐informed, and systemic approaches. The role involves assessment, planning, direct intervention, and coordination of multi‐agency support through a Team Around the Family (TAF) approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide intensive, child‐ and family‐centred support to vulnerable children, young people, and their families in the family home and community settings.
• Build and maintain trusting, professional relationships with families, extended networks, and community supports.
• Work with families experiencing challenges including parenting difficulties, mental health issues, domestic abuse, education concerns, housing instability, and social isolation.
• Undertake holistic Early Help Assessments that identify strengths, needs, risks, and protective factors.
• Develop clear, outcome‐focused action plans in partnership with children, young people, and families.
• Ensure the voice of the child and lived experience of families are central to all assessments and plans.
• Deliver evidence‐based interventions using restorative, trauma‐informed, and systemic approaches.
• Support families to develop parenting capacity, improve relationships, and manage conflict safely.
• Mediate and de‐escalate conflict within families and between families and services.
• Monitor progress, review plans, and adapt interventions in response to changing needs and risks.
• Lead and coordinate Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies including schools, health services, housing, domestic abuse services, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Advocate for families and ensure coordinated, integrated support is in place.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and high‐quality case records in line with GDPR, council policies, and service standards.
• Produce clear reports and updates that evidence progress, outcomes, and risk management.
• Participate in supervision, training, and continuous professional development.
• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of families.
• Contribute to service development and the ongoing transformation of Early Help services through the Pathfinder programme.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of practice.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Family Support Worker, Family Practitioner, or similar role.
• Proven experience working with families facing multiple and complex challenges (e.g. mental health, domestic abuse, housing, parenting difficulties).
• Strong understanding of Early Help Assessments and the Team Around the Family (TAF) model.
• Knowledge of evidence‐based intervention strategies and ability to implement them effectively.
• Understanding of restorative practice and trauma‐informed approaches.
• Strong mediation, conflict resolution, and engagement skills.
• Ability to undertake holistic assessments and develop outcome‐focused plans.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and case management skills.
• Commitment to reflective practice, professional development, and staying informed on relevant legislation, policies, and research.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant qualification in health, social care, youth work, education, or a related field.
• Experience of working within a local authority Early Help or Prevention service.
• Knowledge of local safeguarding thresholds and pathways.

Safeguarding

The post holder has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and to work in accordance with Lewisham Council safeguarding policies and procedures.

Equality and Diversity

Lewisham Council is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and expects all staff to uphold these principles in their work.