Pause Practitioner in London

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality, underpins all that we do.

Pause works with women who have experienced – or are at risk of – repeated pregnancies that result in children needing to be removed from their care. The programme gives women the chance to pause and take control over their lives, breaking a destructive cycle that causes both them and their children deep trauma, as well as reducing huge costs to society and the taxpayer. As a Pause Practitioner, you will be responsible for implementing a range of interventions and support measures as part of an integrated package of health, therapeutic and social support. Pause is specifically designed to address the complex needs of women, through intensive support, to enable change in their lives, and ultimately reduce the numbers of children being removed into care. You will work systemically in delivering a relationship-based programme where frequency, tenacity and creativity are central.

You’ll be a big part of a small team, where everyone takes a flexible and collaborative approach to work, and is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Like Pause, you will be passionate about changing entrenched social issues, and will respond by ‘doing things differently’. You will play an integral part of a team where everyone takes an energetic, flexible and collaborative approach to their work, and are committed to improving outcomes in society. Please note, this is a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

What We’re Looking For

• Knowledge of adult safeguarding, childcare legislation, local Child Protection Procedures, and an understanding of child development, parenting capacity and risk and protective factors.
• Knowledge and understanding of a range of evidence-based approaches including systemic practice, social learning theory, attachment, grief and loss, relationship and strength-based interventions.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or experience e.g. nursing, social work, mental health, education, criminal justice, youth work, therapeutic practice, counselling, criminal justice or equivalent; and registration where appropriate.

Experience

• Experience of working with families/individuals who present with a range of complex needs (mental health challenges, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence) and demonstrate an ability to create rapport and build effective relationships.
• Experience of case management including assessments, care planning and reviews with clients with complex needs.
• Experience of challenging, negotiating, advocating and collaborating as part of the role of supporting women.
• Experience of working with trauma and having an understanding of how this will present and working creatively to support clients.
• Experience of using supervision to reflect on your own practice and identify and implement continuing opportunities for development.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies

• Being tenacious and work hard to offer assertive outreach to those who are considered the hardest to reach yet most in need.
• Be passionate about changing entrenched social issues, and will respond by ‘doing things differently’.
• Demonstrates an effective level of consultative, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills including the ability to deal with complex issues in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Able to write clear and concise records and reports; having necessary computer literacy skills to produce good quality information in a variety of formats.
• Able to influence and inspire across professional disciplines using evidence and practice to improve outcomes for Pause women.
• Able to build reflective, supportive, and outcome-focused relationships with Pause women, whilst maintaining boundaries.

Additional Information

This vacancy is subject to the council’s redeployment arrangements. Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.

Our Values And Behaviours

At Southwark, our REACH values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being Resident-focused, Empowering, Accountable, Collaborative and Honest, in how we work with colleagues, residents, partners and communities. We welcome applications from people who share these values and are passionate about making a positive difference to our borough.

Recruitment Timeline

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on 18 November 2026
• Shortlisting date/s: 23 November 2026
• Interview date/s: 24 November 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

Members of the Armed Forces and veterans, those currently in care, or have previously been in care, and individuals who consider themselves to be disabled or have a long-term health condition are encouraged to apply.