Job Description
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
Temporary Maternity Cover
Would you welcome a working environment which will be stimulating but challenging? If so, an exciting opportunity has arisen in the Bath and North East Somerset Councils “Connecting Families” Team to appoint an experienced Family Support Practitioner (previously Connecting Families Key Worker) to cover a temporary maternity leave post.
About the role:
The successful applicant will provide an outreach service for families, working with the whole family in their homes.
You will need the ability to build strong relationships based on honest, direct communication about what needs to change and why and what the consequences will be if the changes don't happen.
Essential tasks will be to work sensitively with each member of the family to assess what they need individually and as a family, create a simple, effective, personal and comprehensive outcome plan which addresses those needs and then, employing a range of methodologies, in partnership with the family, colleagues and other agencies, see it through to action. You will review progress with the family at regular intervals in team around the family meetings and will adjust the plan, if necessary, to meet emerging requirements.
About you:
This is a demanding post. You will need to demonstrate a practical can-do approach, which, at the same time, respects and challenges the individuals you are working with. You will need emotional resilience to overcome resistance to change and you will need a real belief that the families you are working with can transform their lives and shape a better future for themselves and their children. You must be able to act as Lead Professional arranging Team around the Family sessions and actively involving the family and other professionals. You will need to have significant experience of working with families in a similar field, ideally you should have professional qualification as well, but it is not essential if you can prove equivalent experience.
You need to be able to work outside normal office hours to cover early mornings, bedtime routines and occasional weekends as required with people within their own homes to achieve stable school attendance, home management, employment, and community engagement.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Matthew Byrne, Deputy Team Manager Connecting Families Team on 01225 396031 or 07977 228360 or email matthew_byrne@bathnes.gov.uk or Connecting_Families@bathnes.gov.uk
Interview date: Wednesday 27th May 2026.
No agencies please.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
About Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits
At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity
We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.