Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a part-time (29hrs), Family Engagement Practitioner within a 1-year fixed term capacity. The salary is pro rata'd to the 29hrs.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

This position will require the successful candidate to work within the Children in Care Team. The post holder will be responsible for carrying out Family Networking Meetings, Restorative Conferencing, completing life story work with younger children and supporting reunification. Therefore, the Family Engagement Practitioner will need to be confident about carrying out meetings with families and their support networks.

They will carry out restorative family meetings between children and their parents, parent to parent, or a mixture of family and friends coming together to discuss issues within a family's functioning that have caused harm and have raised a conflict within these relationships.

The Family Engagement Practitioner will need to understand risks and safeguarding responsibilities. A significant part of the role is the family network meetings, working with foster carers to prevent breakdown, working towards reunification/SGO's and direct work with younger children 

 You will be visiting family homes, so a driving licence and access to a car is essential.

To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you have confidence in leading restorative and family network meetings, which often involve complex dynamics and emotionally charged situations.

You must have a proven background within children and families, working with under 10s and Children Looked After.

Essentially, you need to have a strong understanding of restorative practice, safeguarding and risk. Alongside the ability to build trust with families and professionals.

The role demands flexibility, reflective practice, and a commitment to supervision and continuous learning. You need to be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, working collaboratively to support families that are open to Children’s Social Care.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

*** Please note that salaries and holiday entitlement will be pro rata'd in line with the advertised hours for this position. 

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.