JOB TITLE: SENIOR FAMILY SUPPORT PRACTITIONER / EARLY HELP LEAD

We are seeking a passionate and experienced professional to join our Early Help team as a Senior Family Support Practitioner (or Early Help Lead, depending on internal grading structure). This role is pivotal in supporting families, children, and young people with early presenting needs and in leading effective, evidence-based interventions to improve long-term outcomes.

ABOUT YOUQUALIFICATIONS

• A Level 4 qualification or above in a relevant field such as health care, early years, social care, youth work, or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Significant experience working with children and families with complex or emerging needs.
• Skilled in delivering parenting support related to SEND, behaviour, and family change.
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding thresholds and relevant legislation/guidance (e.g., Pan-London threshold document).
• Experience providing high-quality assessments and family support within Early Help or similar services.
• Strong leadership and mentoring ability, with a track record of supporting the development of others.
• Confidence in managing professional discussions, influencing practice, and embedding best practice.
• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence to engage diverse families and professionals.
• Demonstrated experience of multi-agency working and community-based service delivery.
• Proficiency in time management, problem-solving, and prioritisation within a fast-paced environment.

ROLE PURPOSE

To deliver high-quality early intervention work with families where concerns may include neglect, family dysfunction, special educational needs, or behavioural challenges. You will support both families directly and the wider Early Help workforce by offering coaching, modelling, and professional development support. The role requires strong partnership working, sound assessment practice, and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the coordination of support for families through whole-family assessments using evidence-based frameworks (e.g. Signs of Safety and Wellbeing).
• Act as Lead Professional for allocated cases, ensuring joined-up, timely support across multi-agency teams.
• Deliver targeted parenting programmes and workshops, particularly in areas such as autism, ADHD, parental separation, and behaviour management.
• Provide high-quality written assessments and support plans aligned with local thresholds of need and Early Help standards.
• Promote integrated working across professionals through regular Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings, reviews, and information sharing.
• Support and mentor less experienced colleagues and students through modelling, shadowing, and shared casework learning.
• Lead or contribute to professional development discussions within the team and wider service.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with parents and carers using a persistent, strengths-based, non-judgemental approach.
• Collaborate with a range of statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure coordinated, locality-based early help delivery.
• Contribute to service development initiatives and flexibly support the team as needed, including occasional out-of-hours work.