Lead Practitioner Family Help - 37… at Torbay Council · Teignbrid…

Job Description & Person Specification >

Make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families At Torbay Council, we are committed to helping children and families thrive. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Family Help Lead Practitioner to join our Family Intervention Team and provide high-quality parenting support to our Torbay families.

About the Role As a Family Help Lead Practitioner within the Family Intervention Team, you will work directly with children, young people and families, offering focused family support to families with complex needs through targeted support. We work flexibly and creatively with parents and their children in their homes and in groups, to increase the skills, confidence and abilities of all family members to live their daily lives in a positive and safe way.

Our ethos is guided by working restoratively with children, families and colleagues. We have a focus of developing strong positive working relationships with whole families and partner agencies through the process of Team Around the Family meetings.

We are looking for skilled practitioners who have experience of direct work with families who are experiencing challenges. You will have confidence and skills to work with young people and families in crisis. You will be a dedicated and enthusiastic professional, committed to improving outcomes for children and their families.

Appropriate candidates will have a good understanding of social care. You will also come with particular experience and knowledge of how to work with specific hard to reach groups including those affected by domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, anti-social behaviour, criminal and sexual exploitation, gang affiliation, drug and alcohol misuse, school exclusion or truanting.

About You We're looking for someone who is committed to improving the lives of children and families and who can build positive, professional relationships whilst providing both support and challenge when needed. You will have:

• Experience of working with children, young people and families.
• Experience of supporting individuals who may display challenging behaviours.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to assess needs, plan interventions and deliver effective support.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and the issues affecting vulnerable children and families.
• A commitment to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Us? At Torbay Council, you'll be part of a supportive and ambitious Children's Services team that is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for children and families. We offer:

• Hybrid working opportunities.
• Ongoing learning and development.
• A supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to develop your career within Children's Services.
• A role where your work genuinely changes lives.

Safeguarding Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Join us and help create brighter futures for children, young people and families across Torbay.

We have exciting full-time and part-time opportunities available on fixed-term contracts ranging from 6 to 12 months from the start date.

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists. If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/lead-practitioner-family-help/

For an informal chat please contact Lauren Rigby on 07776 030604 or lauren.rigby@torbay.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 26th October 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 8th October. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

• Ability to carry out assessments, plan and deliver needs-based packages of support.
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to engage positively with children, young people and their parents.
• Ability to offer appropriate support to families affected by:
  • Family breakdown.
  • Homelessness.
  • Child Protection issues.
  • Drug and/or alcohol dependency.
  • Tenancy breakdown.
  • Non school attendance.
• Effective communication/interpersonal skills.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Understanding of basic human needs, physical, emotional and social.
• Knowledge of Children’s Act 1989 and 2004, Adoption legislation, Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Parenting Orders and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
• Knowledge of issues facing families at risk of family breakdown.
• Self-awareness of own strengths and weaknesses.
• Aptitude for using IT.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Evidence of consistent pattern of learning from education, training and experience.
• GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above or equivalent.
• Work in a health or social care environment (paid or unpaid) with children and young people.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families displaying challenging behaviour.
• Experience of health/social care needs and services.