At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, lead assessments, and coordinate multi-agency plans.
- Company: Join Darlington’s Building Stronger Families Team, a supportive and forward-thinking service.
- Benefits: 32 days annual leave, flexible working, training opportunities, and generous family leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for support.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development and a dynamic team environment.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 34434 £ per year.
Darlington’s Building Stronger Families Team is looking for a skilled and motivated Early Help Practitioner to join our supportive and forward-thinking service.
In this role, you will work directly with children, young people and families to provide practical early help, strengthen relationships and support families to make positive, lasting change. You will lead on Early Help Assessments, coordinate multi-agency plans, and deliver high-quality direct work that builds resilience and improves outcomes.
As part of our Family Hubs network, you will play a key role in bringing services together, offering the right help at the right time, and enabling families to thrive within their community.
We are seeking someone who:
- Has experience of working with children and families in a support or guidance role
- Can build strong, trusting relationships with families from a wide range of backgrounds
- Is confident completing assessments, planning interventions and coordinating support
- Works well with partner agencies and understands the value of early intervention
- Is compassionate, organised and motivated to make a difference
We offer a supportive team environment, regular supervision, access to training and development, and the opportunity to contribute to Darlington’s vision of building stronger, more resilient families.
This is a full-time, permanent position based within McNay Street Family Hub, with flexible working arrangements available.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:
- 32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time staff)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with the option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
- Staff equality forums
- Green Car Leasing Scheme
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
- Physiotherapy service
- Confidential counselling service
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
- Local and National retailer discounts
- Arriva Employee Travel Club
For the full range of benefits we offer, please see our "why work for us" internet page, which also includes our Total Reward Booklet and Employee Benefit Video.
Early Help Practitioner employer: Darlington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Darlington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Help Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those who work with children and families. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early help and family support. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of an Early Help Practitioner. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your motivation for working with children and families. Let them know why you’re the perfect fit for their team and how you can contribute to building stronger families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and resources to help you land that Early Help Practitioner role with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Help Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and families. Use examples that showcase your ability to build strong relationships and coordinate support, as these are key aspects of the Early Help Practitioner role.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your skills in completing assessments and planning interventions. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of making a positive impact on families, so be specific about your relevant experiences.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone compassionate and motivated, so share your passion for helping families and any personal stories that reflect your commitment to this work.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Early Help Practitioner. Understand how you can support children and families, and be ready to discuss your relevant experience in assessments and multi-agency coordination.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with families, practice building rapport. Think of examples where you've successfully established trust with clients or colleagues, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your skills in planning interventions and working with partner agencies. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to make a positive impact on families and how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the Family Hubs network. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values.