Job Introduction
Starting salary for this role rom 1st April 2026 is £34,434 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)
This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
We are looking for a skilled and committed professional to work within the Children in Care team as a Family Support Practitioner.
About the Children In Care Team:
The Children in Care team delivers support services and Care for children in the care of the Local Authority. We use innovative and creative ways of working to ensure that we offer the best possible services and outcomes for those children and young people within our care. If you are interested in delivering high quality, impactful services to aid and support children and families would like to hear from you.
Our work is wide ranging from the ages 0-18 and young people transitioning to our Care Experienced Services.
We offer extensive training and support to ensure you are fully prepared and skilled to deliver services to children and young people. This is an opportunity to make real positive difference in the lives of the children and young people we care for.
Main Responsibilities
- Assist social workers in the delivery of Care planning for children and young people.
- Support Family time arrangements which enables children to have the best possible family relationships when they are in care.
- Deliver direct work with children and at times their families in a sensitive and effective manner.
- Maintain accurate records, keeping detailed and timely records of all contact, interventions and progress.
- Provide flexible support to children and families.
- To work alongside Social Workers and other professionals in ensuring children and their families get the best possible services.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum NVQ level 3 or above in a related field or equivalent experience
- Sound knowledge of child development (0-11years) and adolescence.
- Experience in completing observations, and maintaining clear written records.
- Experience in delivering direct interventions that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
- Ability to build supportive, positive and trusting relationships.
- Committed to continuous professional development and able to coach/mentor others.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to plan and organise workload in a changing environment with competing demands.
Job Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check
- Ability to travel across BCP and Dorset council areas using own transport.
- There can be occasional out of county work.
For an informal chat, contact: Spencer.Peirce@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.
We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Role Profile for more details.
