Family Activity Worker
| Posting date: | 18 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £24,404 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 July 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, IP3 0RH |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19594 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council – Countywide (various locations across Suffolk) (Community Based)
- £24,404 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 18.5 - 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We're not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As a Family Activity Worker (FAW), you'll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you're passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
This role is central to supporting families with children aged 0–5 through engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate group activities.
You will be part of a service that empowers families, strengthens community connections, and promotes early childhood development through universal and targeted group work.
As a Family Activity Worker, you will:
- Plan and deliver creative, play-based group sessions for families with young children. (You will be based in a Family Hub but will deliver across further Family Hubs and outreach areas.)
- Support parents in developing strong bonds with their children and understanding their role as their child’s first educator.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals to deliver holistic support to families.
- Record attendance and gather feedback to help improve service delivery.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
- Promote school readiness and signpost families to relevant services.
You will need
- A suitable practitioner level qualification at Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent experience in a relevant area of work.
- Experience working directly with children and families in a professional or voluntary capacity.
- Knowledge of early childhood development, attachment, and play.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with vulnerable families.
- The ability to plan and deliver group activities with support from senior colleagues.
- A full driving licence and access to transport to deliver sessions across multiple venues.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will join a passionate and supportive team within Suffolk’s Health (0–19) and Children’s Centres. The team works to reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing, and support families through early intervention and prevention.
You’ll be line managed by a Grade 6 Health & Children Centre Coordinator and work alongside Healthy Child Practitioners and other Family Activity Workers to deliver high-quality, inclusive services that make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Jenny Carter she/her for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 260467 or emailing jenny.carter@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Question 1 - What skills and experience do you have which would make you a good fit for this role?
Question 2 - What is your greatest achievement and why?
Question 3 - How can you evidence that you are committed to listen, support, and motivate children, young people and their families?
Question 4 - Describe a situation where you have been an effective team worker and what you specifically did that was effective?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 02 July 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £24,404 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 18.5 - 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We're not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As a Family Activity Worker (FAW), you'll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you're passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
This role is central to supporting families with children aged 0–5 through engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate group activities.
You will be part of a service that empowers families, strengthens community connections, and promotes early childhood development through universal and targeted group work.
As a Family Activity Worker, you will:
- Plan and deliver creative, play-based group sessions for families with young children. (You will be based in a Family Hub but will deliver across further Family Hubs and outreach areas.)
- Support parents in developing strong bonds with their children and understanding their role as their child’s first educator.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals to deliver holistic support to families.
- Record attendance and gather feedback to help improve service delivery.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
- Promote school readiness and signpost families to relevant services.
You will need
- A suitable practitioner level qualification at Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent experience in a relevant area of work.
- Experience working directly with children and families in a professional or voluntary capacity.
- Knowledge of early childhood development, attachment, and play.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with vulnerable families.
- The ability to plan and deliver group activities with support from senior colleagues.
- A full driving licence and access to transport to deliver sessions across multiple venues.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will join a passionate and supportive team within Suffolk’s Health (0–19) and Children’s Centres. The team works to reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing, and support families through early intervention and prevention.
You’ll be line managed by a Grade 6 Health & Children Centre Coordinator and work alongside Healthy Child Practitioners and other Family Activity Workers to deliver high-quality, inclusive services that make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Jenny Carter she/her for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 260467 or emailing jenny.carter@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Question 1 - What skills and experience do you have which would make you a good fit for this role?
Question 2 - What is your greatest achievement and why?
Question 3 - How can you evidence that you are committed to listen, support, and motivate children, young people and their families?
Question 4 - Describe a situation where you have been an effective team worker and what you specifically did that was effective?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 02 July 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.