At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead support for families, assess needs, and coordinate care plans.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at Plymouth City Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, high-quality training, and strong supervision.
- Other info: Equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape new support models.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or family support; strong assessment skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated family help lead practitioner to play a central role in delivering the new national Family Help model. This is an exciting opportunity to shape early and targeted support for children and families at the earliest point of need.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assessing family support requests – assessing new families to determine the most appropriate level of support under the Family Help model.
- Leading Child in Need work – coordinating CIN plans, undertaking direct work with children and families, and ensuring timely reviews and progress.
- Delivering early and targeted help – providing practical, strengths‑based interventions that build resilience and reduce the need for statutory intervention.
- Multi‑agency partnership working – working collaboratively with schools, health, police, and community partners to ensure a coordinated response.
- Using evidence‑based practice – applying trauma‑informed, restorative and relational approaches in all work with families.
- Contributing to the new Family Help model – helping shape and embed new ways of working as part of national social care reforms.
- Ensuring high‑quality recording and analysis – producing clear assessments, plans and reviews that reflect the voice of the child and demonstrate impact.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting families, confident in assessing risk, and skilled at building strong, trusting relationships with families.
You Will Bring
- Experience in early help or social care
- Strong assessment and analytical skills
- Knowledge of Child in Need processes
- Ability to work collaboratively with partners
- Commitment to strengths‑based, relational practice
- A social work qualification is not essential, but experience in safeguarding, early help, youth work, family support, or similar roles is required.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a forward‑thinking service implementing national reforms.
- Work in a supportive, reflective environment with strong supervision.
- Access high‑quality training in restorative practice, trauma‑informed approaches, and family‑led planning.
- Make a real difference to children and families at the earliest point of need.
Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
For more information please contact Poppy Carroll at Poppy.carroll@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing date: Wednesday 24 June.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Family Help Lead Practitioner (Edge of Care) in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Join Plymouth City Council as a Family Help Lead Practitioner and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to implementing national reforms in family support. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development through high-quality training and reflective supervision, ensuring you have the tools to make a meaningful impact on children and families in need. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Help Lead Practitioner (Edge of Care) in Plymouth
✨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 PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨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 PLYMOUTH CITY 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 Help Lead Practitioner (Edge of Care) in Plymouth
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 PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to PLYMOUTH CITY 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 PLYMOUTH CITY 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.
