Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

What’s the role?

Lewisham Council is on an exciting journey of transformation through the Pathfinder program, and we're looking for passionate, proactive, and skilled Family Practitioners to be part of our Prevention & Early Help Team. In this vital role, you'll work directly with children, young people, and families, providing focused support to improve outcomes, address challenges, reduce risks, and empower families to make and sustain positive changes. You'll build trusting relationships with families, extended networks, and communities to help alleviate social isolation, increase capacity, and create sustainable change. By collaborating with multi-disciplinary partners, you'll ensure the best outcomes for children and families, preventing the need for statutory services and reducing risks of family breakdown.

What’s in it for you?

Impact: Be at the heart of Lewisham’s Families First Pathfinder strategy, making a tangible difference every day.
Collaboration: Work with a wide range of professionals across health, education, police, and voluntary sectors.
Development: Access training opportunities and contribute to shaping Lewisham’s Family Hub and neighbourhood-based services.
Innovation: Be part of a forward-thinking team implementing the i-Thrive framework and integrated support pathways.
Flexibility: Enjoy a role that values creativity, autonomy, and professional growth.

What we’re looking for

A minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Family Support Worker or Family
Practitioner, working with families facing multiple challenges, such as mental health issues, domestic abuse, or housing difficulties.
Knowledge of evidence-based intervention strategies and the ability to implement them effectively through direct work
Strong skills in mediation, conflict resolution, and direct work with families in crisis.
Familiarity with Early Help Assessments and leading Teams Around the Family (TAF).
Understanding of restorative and trauma-informed practices.
Commitment to professional development and staying informed on relevant policies and research.
A strong understanding of safeguarding and early help thresholds.
Experience working in multi-agency environments.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
If you’re ready to lead, influence, and collaborate to improve outcomes for children and families, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide intensive, family-centred support to vulnerable children, young people, and their families to improve outcomes.
Undertake holistic assessments and develop action plans to address challenges such as parenting, mental health, domestic abuse, and education.
Facilitate decision-making and ensure children, young people, and families' voices are heard in assessments and plans.
Deliver evidence-based interventions using restorative, trauma-informed, and systemic approaches.
Maintain high standards of case recording and reporting in line with GDPR and service policies.
Build strong links with local services and agencies to provide integrated support.
Work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of families.

Location

The job is primarily based in one of the Lewisham Family Hubs, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Patrycja Krzeszewska patrycja.krzeszewska@lewisham.gov.ukor Billie Murdoch on billie.murdoch@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£40,404-£41,637 per annum (SO1)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email LewishamWorks@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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