Family Support Practitioner

Overview

As a Family Support Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting parents and carers of children under five, encouraging involvement in their children's learning, development, and wellbeing. You will work closely with families, particularly those who are most vulnerable or harder to reach, and build strong links within the local community.

Family Centres operate between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Some evening and occasional Saturday work may be required.

• Support hard‑to‑reach and vulnerable families.
• Deliver tailored one‑to‑one programmes of support to achieve positive outcomes for families.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records, requiring a good level of computer literacy.
• Work in partnership with colleagues and external agencies.
• Engage with all parents and carers, including expectant and young parents.
• Develop a strong understanding of local demographics, services, networks, and community resources.

• Level 3 qualification in a recognised professional field such as health, education, childcare, social care, or an equivalent qualification.
• Sound understanding of the importance of safeguarding children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with families from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a car during working hours.
• Willingness to travel regularly, with appropriate business‑use car insurance.
• Enhanced DBS check (required for this role).

The Family Support Service is part of the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service, offering support, advice and guidance for families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches the end of Primary School (11 years old).