At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's wellbeing and development through home visits and group work.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on building stronger communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives and promote positive relationships.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and experience with children under 5.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Healthy Child Practitioner, you will work directly with children and families to support their social, emotional, physical and developmental wellbeing. You will deliver both universal and targeted support through home visiting, group work and partnership working.
Responsibilities
- Work with families using the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework.
- Deliver aspects of the Healthy Child Programme and Children’s Centre services.
- Support parents to build strong attachments and positive relationships with their children.
- Undertake developmental assessments and contribute to planning and evaluating interventions.
- Identify early need and provide timely support or referrals.
- Work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to improve outcomes.
- Promote school readiness, including speech, language and communication development.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service quality assurance.
- Support safeguarding by recognising and responding to risks appropriately.
This role offers the chance to make a real difference by helping families thrive and building stronger communities. It is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Qualifications and Experience
- A Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent experience).
- Experience working with children, particularly under 5 years, and families.
- Knowledge of child development, attachment and early intervention.
- Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership collaboration.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships.
- Ability to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
- A commitment to continuous learning and reflective practice.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required.
Benefits
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Healthy Child Practitioner employer: Suffolk County Council
As a Healthy Child Practitioner, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of children and families in our community. Our organisation prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training, flexible working options, and a commitment to safeguarding, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact. With generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and a culture that values collaboration and diversity, we are an excellent employer for those passionate about child development and community support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthy Child Practitioner
✨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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Healthy Child Practitioner
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 Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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.
