Job Introduction
Family Help Lead Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team (CSC/26/736/BH)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Children’s Services
Salary: Range 4 Level A (£32,378 per annum)
Job Status: Full Time Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Broadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham, ME4 4LL
Working Style: Hybrid – Works part from (insert office venue) and part from home.
Closing Date: 9th August 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Children and Young People with Disabilities Team as a Family Help Practitioner.
This is a new and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to work directly with children and families to improve outcomes and help children with disabilities access the right support at the right time. No two days are the same. You will work with a varied caseload of children supported under Child in Need plans, providing practical help, guidance and interventions to families while working alongside social workers and a range of partner agencies.
The role provides an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about working with children and families and may be an ideal stepping stone for those considering a future career in social work.
As a Family Help Practitioner, you will undertake direct work with children and their families, complete assessments, contribute to care planning, and ensure that plans are progressed effectively.
Working within a multi-agency environment, you will engage with professionals across education, SEND services, health, social care and other partner organisations to ensure that children and young people with disabilities receive holistic and timely support. The child's voice will be central to your practice, and you will be committed to helping families build upon their strengths to achieve positive and sustainable change.
About You
You will:
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Have experience of working with children, young people and families, particularly those who may be vulnerable or have additional needs.
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Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
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Have the ability to undertake assessments, identify needs and contribute to effective support plans.
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Be confident in managing a varied caseload and progressing plans to achieve positive outcomes.
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Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to engage effectively with children, families and professionals.
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Be able to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment.
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Have a good understanding of safeguarding, child-centred practice and relevant legislation.
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Be organised, resilient and solution-focused, with strong written and record-keeping skills.
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Hold a relevant qualification or have professional experience in areas such as family support, youth work, education, health, early years or related fields.
What We Offer
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team committed to improving the lives of children and young people with disabilities. You will gain valuable experience working alongside social workers, occupational therapists, education professionals, health colleagues and other partners, making a meaningful difference to children and families every day.
If you are passionate about supporting children with disabilities and their families, and want to be part of an innovative and developing service, we would love to hear from you.
Helping children and families thrive through the right support, at the right time, and in the right way.
The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Childrens DBS check.
Shortlisting will take place on 10th August 2026
Interviews will be held 17th August 2026
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Suzanne Mehmet on 01634 334470.
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
Children and Young People Disability Team are seeking a Family Help Practitioner to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information-
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Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
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Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
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For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
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Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
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Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
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We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
