Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Solutions Practitioner with a specific focus on families who have No recourse to public funds or are at risk of homelessness.



Family Solutions work holistically with families with multiple and complex needs and children to enable them to see their strengths and build upon these to make positive changes to their lives. The Family Solutions Practitioner - NRPF Lead works closely with families where there are issues of no recourse to public funds or concerns of families being homeless, to build strong relationships based on respect and positive regards. The role provides both practical and specialist advice to the family where issues of no recourse to public funds or homelessness are prevalent as well as acting as a lead co-ordinator for any additional support services. The Family Solutions Practitioner will undertake assessments with the family and/or formulate a plan of intervention with the support of relevant partner agencies which will give the child and their family every opportunity to address the identified difficulties with a positive outcome. The family solutions practitioner will be based within Broadside in the First Response team.



For an insight into what Family Solutions has to offer, please view this video .

About You:

You will hold a recognised Level 4 or equivalent qualification and have professional work background relevant to the job you are applying for such as early years/family support/youth work/health/education Be passionate about changing outcomes for children and young people Have good communication skills to engage children and young people and their families Have the ability to maintain accurate and update records in line with GDPR and legislations effective case management. You will be respectful and able to build positive relationships in all aspects of the role Have knowledge of safeguarding and relevant legislation Experience of working in a multi agency environment It is preferable that you hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.

In return we offer you:

Generous annual leave entitlement Generous local government pension scheme package Access to wider training and development qualifications Flexible working scheme Travel plan discounts MedPay - opportunity for pay progression Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Career Progression Framework

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.



Family Solutions are seeking a Family Solutions 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.


For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Nikki Lloyd, Service Manager on 07736924078 or Team managers Lisa Kelly on 07800509316


This post is subject to an enhanced children's DBS

Our Organisation

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.


Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.


We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.


Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

Important Information

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile


Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age


For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online


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.


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.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date


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, if you require documentation/correspondence in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Resourcing Team on 01634 332878.