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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children, manage cases, and mentor team members.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a modern organisation focused on community impact and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and case management is essential; passion for helping others is a must.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all requirements.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Waterloo Centre, Leiston, IP16 4HF – Community based
- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Fixed term – 1 year
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we\’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That\’s why, when you join us as a Senior Family Support Practitioner, you\’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
- Hold a complex caseload working directly with children and families, enabling them to make improvements in their life.
- Provide advice, support and guidance to colleagues on cases as a duty manager.
- Supervise a small number of Family Support Practitioners, in consultation with the team\’s Practice Lead(s).
- Mentor new Family Support Practitioner in the team.
- Be a role model for good practice.
- Support peer supervision and training, to continuously improve practice for yourself and team.
- Support further embedding of Signs of Safety practice, to continuously develop high quality family support in the team.
You will need
- To manage risk appropriately and safely to deliver successful solution focused outcomes.
- Experience of working with safeguarding concerns and assessments.
- To be able to effectively challenge colleagues and partner agencies.
- To be able to build effective and positive relationships within the team.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Coastal North Family Support Team works collaboratively with the Coastal South Family Support Team to support families across the locality. As a result, your role will involve working across both areas. In addition, we maintain close partnerships with the Ipswich and Lowestoft teams to coordinate and deliver Family Time sessions.
The team consists of Family Support Practitioners, Young Person Workers, Senior Family Support Practitioner, Practice Leads and Practice Manager to deliver the Early Help Core offer to families.
We are a friendly supportive team who work together to build on one another\’s strengths to promote best outcomes for Children & Young People. We share our friendly office with our Social Care and Business Support colleagues and celebrate one another\’s achievements. Regular case supervision and wellbeing supervision is delivered to all practitioners.
You will have access to a wide variety of learning and development opportunities to support you in your role.
Empowering Everyone
We\’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report
For more information
Please contact Deanne Smith for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07717 302337 or emailing Deanne.Smith@suffolk.gov.uk.
If you wish to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 – Click \’Apply Now\’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Describe a time when you successfully managed a complex case involving children and families. How did you enable them to make improvements in their life?
2. Tell me about a time when you provided advice and guidance to colleagues on a challenging case. What was your approach and what was the outcome?
3. Tell me about a time when you identified and managed a safeguarding risk. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
4.Describe a situation where you\’ve had to balance a heavy caseload with other responsibilities like mentoring or participating in service development. How did you manage your time and priorities?
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.ukor calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date:11.30pm, 24 August 2025
Interview date:28 August 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you\’ll enjoy:
- 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 our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
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Senior Family Support Practitioner employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Family Support Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety practice model, as it's a key aspect of the role. Understanding this framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to high-quality family support.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Family Support Practitioners to gain insights into the role and the team dynamics. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage complex cases and mentor others. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will set you apart during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Deanne Smith for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you stand out in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Family Support Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the Job and Person Profile (JPP). This will help you understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Family Support Practitioner role.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Address each of the four questions provided in the application process. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in managing complex cases, providing guidance, handling safeguarding risks, and balancing responsibilities.
Showcase Your Skills Authentically: Be genuine in your application. Highlight your unique experiences and skills that align with the role. Avoid using AI-generated content, as authentic applications are valued and more likely to progress.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your documents. Check for clarity, grammar, and adherence to the word limits specified for the supporting statement. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Showcase Your Experience with Complex Cases
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex cases involving children and families. Highlight the strategies you used to enable positive changes in their lives, as this will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and mentoring new practitioners, be ready to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others. Discuss how you provided guidance and support, and the impact it had on the team and the families you served.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Skills
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, prepare to talk about a time when you identified and managed a safeguarding risk. Explain the steps you took and the outcomes, showcasing your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Balance Responsibilities Effectively
The job requires managing a heavy caseload while also mentoring and participating in service development. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, ensuring that all responsibilities are met without compromising quality.
