Family Time Practitioner in Lowestoft

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Riverside Family Time Centre, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0TQ, Onsite working
• Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 18.5 hours per week, Flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment to cover an absent post holder due to Maternity Leave for up to 9 months, subject to change

At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.

When you join us as a Family Time Practitioner, you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections and shape the future of Suffolk.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

You will play a crucial role in supporting families and ensuring that children have safe and positive Family Time sessions with their parents.

On a typical day, you will:

• Supervise and facilitate Family Time sessions, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and their families
• Observe and assess interactions between children and their parents, offering feedback and support where appropriate
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of observations and outcomes from each session
• Collaborate closely with Social Workers and other professionals to ensure the needs of children and families are met
• Support Family Time sessions in a variety of settings, including Family Time Centres, Family Hubs, community venues, or within family homes
• Transport babies and children to and from Family Time sessions, sometimes across a wide geographical area, including out-of-county locations
• Conduct home visits and provide practical support to families involved in child in need plans, care proceedings, or court processes.

Your dedication and compassion will help create positive experiences for families and contribute to their overall well-being.

You will need

• Experience working with children and families in a supportive role
• Strong observational and assessment skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• A full valid driving licence and have access to personal transport with the need for business insurance.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

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

Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Suffolk. We are motivated by our shared values of empathy, respect, and collaboration. We take pride in our supportive and inclusive culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives.

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 Vicky Aldred by calling 01502 674658.

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker (pdf), shaped by the voices of young people.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (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 (Word).

1. Tell us about a time you supported a child or young person during a difficult situation. How did you ensure their safety and emotional wellbeing?
2. Give an example of a time you had to de-escalate a challenging situation with a parent or carer. What strategies did you use?
3. This role involves transporting children across a wide geographical area. Can you describe how you manage your time and ensure children are transported safely and calmly?
4. Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
5. How do you ensure your communication is clear, respectful, and appropriate when working with families from diverse backgrounds?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 2 July 2026.

Interview dates: 6 July 2026.

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.

#LI-Onsite