About us

Salford City Council's Strengthening Families program is an award winning innovative , intensive, long-term early help service for:

• vulnerable first time parents who are at risk of having their first child removed through court proceedings
• or have had at least one child removed from their care through court proceedings and present as pregnant again .

The program aims to increase the number of parents and babies who can stay together and reduce recurrent care proceedings

About the Role

The Strengthening Families Practitioner plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable families across Salford and beyond. Practitioners are expected to actively contribute to the vision of the Strengthening Families programme, working collaboratively within a dedicated team to ensure fidelity to its innovative model. This role requires a flexible, trauma-informed, and solution-focused approach, with a strong belief in the capacity for positive change.

Practitioners will work both independently and as part of a team, often in outreach settings, engaging families who face complex challenges. They will provide intensive, bespoke packages of support, helping parents to build resilience, reduce risks, and strengthen relationships. A key aspect of the role involves supporting parents in developing their children’s social and emotional skills, ensuring early development and school readiness.

In addition to child-focused support, practitioners will assist families in broader areas of life including physical and emotional health, safety, education, training, employment, and housing. The ability to work flexibly, including outside standard hours and across different locations, is essential to meet the needs of the service.

Practitioners are expected to maintain accurate and up-to-date records that reflect the voice of the family and demonstrate progress and outcomes. They will apply evidence-based frameworks, such as the Family Partnership Model, to assess and identify family strengths and needs. Regular engagement in reflective practice discussions is encouraged to support team development, build resilience, and maintain healthy professional boundaries.

The role also involves representing the Strengthening Families programme at events, participating in the Community of Practice network, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning. Practitioners will support programme evaluation by conducting regular interviews with families and staying informed about developments in allocated cases to support the wider team.

A strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures is essential, along with the ability to assess and manage risk in line with statutory and local protocols. Overall, this role is suited to individuals who are empathetic, authentic, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

About you

• Have a relevant professional qualification Level 3 in child development, health or social care
• You will have previous experience of working with children and families
• You will be required to undertake and complete relevant training identified within the model
• Demonstrate knowledge of Trauma informed practice, strength based and solution focused strategies to support families to change
• Ability to communicate equally, appropriately and effectively with the widest range of individuals and groups, in potentially highly distressing and emotional circumstances
• Willingness to flexibly work outside of standard office hours as required by the needs of the service
• You will be a good listener, have patience, understanding empathy and passion to work within the strengthening families service
• You will support parents to manage their own behaviour both individually and in a group setting by the use of effective positive professional relationships
• You will promote good emotional and physical health for our children and families working in partnership with other agencies to best meet their needs
• Demonstrate a willingness to engage in reflective practice and commit to ongoing personal and professional development
• You will regularly reflect on practice (both on your own and general operating practices) and take full advantage of professional supervision and appraisals
• To contribute to reports and undertake detailed assessments, identifying families strengths and challenges and evidencing progress, in order to develop appropriate interventions
• You will work holistically, ensuring all family members and extended family are included in the wrap around support that’s offered to our parents and children
• You will support families in a strengths focused approach ensuring they receive the right service at the right time.
• You will initiate, plan and co-ordinate services, which includes taking a lead role in Team around the family
• Work within guidelines to identify and manage risk, utilizing other professionals expertise when needed.
• You will be able to demonstrate awareness of relevant legislation and adhere to local safeguarding policies and procedures
• You will have a good level of competency in basic computer skills, including the use of Word, databases, the internet and email, having regard to the GDPR associated policies
• You will manage a caseload and may visit families over a wide geographical area and within flexible working hours, which may include visiting families placed out of the area.
• You will model and demonstrate our values and behaviours
• Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £49.50. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £12.38 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £49.50.

If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants