Family Support Practitioner

Across the UK, every year, our team changes the lives of 301,000 children, young people and their families – but for every child who needs help to get help, there's plenty more to do. That's where you come in.

Ballymena & Little Steps (Antrim) Sure Start provides a range of health, play & learning and parenting support services to children, from pre-birth up to four years, and their families. The project comprises a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team and works in close partnership with a range of local Statutory, Voluntary and Community service providers to promote effective service delivery in response to the needs of the expectant parents, children and families across the designated SureStart areas.

Services consist of both individual and group support across Ballymena & Antrim. Services are provided from 3 centre bases across the localities, within the home setting or through outreach activities.

As a Family Support Practitioner, you'll play a key role in supporting parents on their journey through pregnancy, early parenthood and beyond. This role specifically focuses on the delivery of evidence based, tailored and holistic interventions for families from pregnancy and through the transition to parenthood, with an aim to giving children the best possible start in life.

This role is for 30 hours a week, which would ideally be:

Monday 9am-5pm

Tuesday 9am-5pm (evening work once a month may be required)

Wednesday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am -5pm (evening work once a month may be required)

Friday Non-Working Day (negotiable to meet service needs and flexibility for candidate)

How will you make a difference?

You'll significantly improve children's lives:

• By undertaking a range of home visits which include Sure Start promotional visits, supporting parents to make positive choices and practical parenting support
• By working as part of a multi-disciplinary team in providing a range of tailored services for new and expectant parents which focus on the emotional health of both parent and baby
• By positively facilitating a range of Sure Start services which aim to support and prepare new and expectant families for parenthood and signposting families to other relevant services ensuring good links with local statutory and voluntary services.
• By engaging with families from the beginning of their pregnancy journey through to children up to the age of 4 in the catchment area.
• By assessing families' needs and creating service plans in partnership with them to achieve their desired outcomes.
• By being responsible for the planning, development and delivery of individual and group-based services, which support families in providing their children with the best start in life.

What will you need?

Minimum Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or equivalent relevant qualification.

Experience of working with families and children aged under 4 years.

A thorough understanding of child protection and Safeguarding.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.

An understanding of the physical, intellectual, linguistic, social and emotional growth as part of child development.

Knowledge of infant brain development and the impact of positive relationships for child and parent wellbeing

The ability to travel across Antrim and Ballymena on a regular basis. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

How will we reward you?

• Minimum 29 days' holiday (pro rata)
• Flexible working, including maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Season ticket travel loans
• Company pension scheme
• Discounts at major high street retailers.

Plus, there's a lot more besides.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable children's lives and to build a fulfilling and meaningful career with a leading UK children's charity.

Action for Children is committed to safer recruitment practices, designed to protect the welfare of the children and young people using our services.

Apply now!

Please note: Interviews are planned to be held on Thursday 9th January 2020.