Location: Wakefield (initial 3-month period)
Hours: Full-time (8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Contract: Temporary (initial 3 months)
Pay Rate: £16.62 per hour
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Children & Family Planning Team Officer to join our team. This role is focused on delivering intensive, hands-on support to children, young people, and their families to help prevent escalation into Local Authority care.
You will work directly with families facing complex challenges, building strong, trusting relationships and empowering them to make positive, sustainable changes. This is a dynamic and rewarding role requiring flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide intensive, targeted support to children, young people, and their families
* Work in partnership with families to reduce the risk of children entering care
* Deliver flexible support to meet the needs of children and families
* Collaborate with multi-agency professionals and partners to achieve positive outcomes
* Apply safeguarding practices and ensure compliance with legislation, policies, and guidance
* Promote the wellbeing, development, and safety of children and young people
Experience & Qualifications
* Significant experience in childcare and child development
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
* Enhanced DBS (Children) on the Update Service required prior to start
Knowledge
* Strong understanding of children’s social care legislation and safeguarding procedures
* Knowledge of child development, including physical and emotional needs
* Familiarity with frameworks such as Restorative Practice and Strengths-Based Approaches
* Awareness of key issues impacting families (e.g. domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, unemployment)
* Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion and their impact on families
* Knowledge of areas such as:
* Child sexual exploitation
* Domestic violence
* Self-harm
* Attachment and parenting programmes
* Conflict resolution and family group work
Experience
* Working with children affected by trauma, attachment, and loss
* Multi-agency working across services and professionals
* Supporting families experiencing difficulties meeting children’s needs
Skills & Competencies
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
* Ability to engage effectively with children, young people, and families
* Confidence in managing sensitive and challenging situations
* Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining professional boundaries
* Team player with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively
* Competent IT and administrative skills
Salary description
£16.62 - £16.62 per hour