Family Help Lead Practitioner (Alternatively qualified) - Chlidrens Social Care

Directorate: Children and Family Services

Section: Children’s Social Care – Family Help Service

Grade: Level 8

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset. The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city. We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.

Further information on why work for us

Join Our Children and Families Service

We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation. We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.

The Role

Build trusted relationships that help children and families make lasting changes. As a Family Help Lead Practitioner (Alternatively Qualified), you will work alongside families with children aged 0–18 who have a range of complex needs, bringing together the right support around their strengths, relationships and goals.

As part of our Families First approach, you will be a consistent contact for families, undertake holistic Child’s Family Assessments and coordinate a whole-family plan that evolves as needs change. Working with Practice Leads, qualified social workers and partner agencies, you will deliver targeted interventions, strengthen family networks and help children remain safe and thrive.

About You

• A relevant Level 3 qualification in a subject relating to work with children and young people.
• Experience of providing intensive support to families with multiple or complex needs, using a child-centred, whole-family approach.
• Knowledge of child development, parenting capacity and risk and harm inside and outside the home, with experience of assessing need and responding appropriately.
• An understanding of relational practice, the Families First Programme and Working Together to Safeguard Children, alongside the ability to use evidence-based interventions to support change.
• Strong communication, listening and advocacy skills, with experience of partnership workingand coordinating a Team Around the Family, including constructive challenge where needed.
• The ability to manage a caseload, prioritise according to need and risk, produce clear assessments and records, and use supervision and reflection to maintain resilient, effective practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake holistic Child’s Family Assessments with children, parents, carers and wider family networks, developing clear plans with measurable outcomes and reviewable actions.
• Lead the Team Around the Family process and coordinate timely support across agencies, ensuring children’s and families’ views shape assessments, plans and decisions.
• Deliver direct work and evidence-based interventions, strengthen parenting confidence and support Family Group Decision Making so families can develop their own solutions.
• Help families access practical support with welfare, budgeting, education, employment and training, and connect adults with specialist services where needed.
• Work with Practice Leads, qualified social workers and multi-agency child protection colleagues to assess risk, develop safety plans and respond to harm, retaining trusted relationships with families.
• Review progress with families and partners, provide flexible support in crisis situations, and maintain timely, accurate assessments, reports and case records.

Why Join Us?

• Build meaningful relationships with children and families and support changes that matter in their everyday lives.
• Bring your relevant qualification and family support experience to a lead practitioner role, supported by qualified social workers and Practice Leads.
• Help shape the Families First approach through joined-up support, family networks and reflective, relational practice.

What we offer

• A permanent role at Level 8.
• 28 days’ annual leave rising to 33 days after five years’ continuous service, plus eight public/bank holidays.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development, learning and management development.

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here

Want to know more?

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:

Head of Service
Emma Brown: Emma.Brown@stoke.gov.uk

or

Sally Tolhurst: Sally.Tolhurst@stoke.gov.uk

Pre-employment checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Proof of address.
• Satisfactory references.
• OccupationalHealth clearance.
• Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
• A DBS check at the appropriate level.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Additional information

Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.

If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.

To Apply

Please create or log in to your account and click ‘apply’. If you have any queries or need an application form in another format, email recruitment@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 238189.

• Do you have the Right to Work in the UK?

Family H... (.pdf) (155kb)