Functional Family Therapy Practitioner

Join our dedicated Children's Services team and help make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families across Cheshire East as a Functional Family Therapy Practitioner

Functional Family Therapy Child Welfare (FFT-CW) is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that will be delivered in Cheshire East for children aged 0-9 and their families who are at risk of care entry due to significant child welfare concerns. FFT-CW works with children, parents, carers and wider family networks to strengthen relationships, improve communication, enhance parenting approaches and reduce the factors placing children at risk.

The model combines structured family-based therapeutic intervention with practical support, helping families build on their strengths and develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to achieve lasting change. FFT-CW can support families experiencing challenges such as family conflict, emotional wellbeing concerns, trauma, anxiety, substance misuse and difficulties within family relationships.

FFT is an internationally recognised model delivered to thousands of families each year and is supported by ongoing research, training and clinical oversight to ensure high-quality, evidence-based practice.

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training in the licensed FFT-CW model, together with ongoing coaching, supervision, consultation and fidelity support from a FFT consultant.

This role provides a unique opportunity to develop therapeutic and systemic practice skills within internationally recognised, evidence-based interventions.

At Cheshire East Council we are resident, and partner focused with a vision to enable prosperity and wellbeing for all. People really are at the heart of everything we do and that starts with our incredible workforce. We promote a culture of high performance where people can aspire, thrive and flourish, where we strive to deliver best value in everything we do.

For us, success isn't just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it together. We promote curiosity, excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

We are values led and committed to wellbeing and inclusion for all, where our employees co-created our values of drive, integrity, respect and collaboration which inform all that we do.

We are proud to work for Cheshire East Council and believe you would be too!

We're on a meaningful journey in Children's Social Care and we'd love for you to be part of it. Joining us means becoming part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that's passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. Everything we do is about putting them first, helping them grow, thrive and reach their full potential so they can build brighter futures.

If this sounds like the kind of impact you want to make, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Come and join us in shaping positive change for our young people.

As a Functional Family Therapy Practitioner, you will work closely with children and their families to help create safer, stronger and more stable home environments. Through a structured, evidence-based programme, you will support families to overcome challenges, build positive relationships and achieve lasting change.

• Deliver intensive, home-based FFT-CW interventions to children and families.
• Support parents and carers to strengthen family relationships and manage children's behaviour effectively.
• Help families develop resilience, improve communication and create positive, lasting outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide coordinated support for children and families.
• Maintain high-quality case records and ensure practice complies with safeguarding and statutory requirements.
• Participate in specialist training and ongoing clinical supervision to maintain fidelity to the FFT-CW model.
• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings, to maximise family engagement and support positive outcomes.

This is just a snapshot of some of the exciting things you'll be doing in the role, to find out more about the other key responsibilities of the role please view the attached job description.

We're looking for a skilled and compassionate practitioner who is passionate about helping children and families achieve positive change. You will be confident building relationships, working collaboratively with others, and supporting families through complex challenges.

• Hold a relevant degree and have experience working with children, young people and families.
• Understand child development, trauma and safeguarding, and can apply this knowledge in practice.
• Have strong communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate families.
• Be organised, adaptable and able to manage a varied caseload.
• Work effectively…