Childrens Services jobs in Chesterfield

Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Assessment Practitioner to join our Team both day and waking night time staff. We are a growing private childcare provider committed to offering high-quality care, support and education to children and their parents in a safe and nurturing environment. With a strong emphasis on child development, our organisation aims to provide exceptional support and guidance while adhering to industry regulations and best practices. Nurturing Little Hearts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who are placed at our centre, and as such we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is taken very seriously at Nurturing Little Hearts and is at the forefront of everything we do. Successful candidates who are made an Offer of Employment will be required to complete relevant compliance & safeguarding checks. It is a contractual requirement for all employees across the organisation to comply with the missions and values as set out below:

Our Mission:

Our mission is to deliver a supportive and empowering service which enables us to deliver high quality support, education and guidance. Our core values and principles promote accountability which enables us to stay focused on well being, keeping people safe from harm and supporting them to achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of families, focusing on strengths and areas requiring support
• Engage with children, parents, and guardians to gather relevant information through interviews and home visits
• Develop detailed reports outlining family dynamics, risks, and needs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate appropriate interventions and services
• Provide guidance and support to families to promote positive change and resilience
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with organisational policies and legal requirements
• Attend case review meetings and contribute expert insights on family functioning
• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding procedures at all times

Job Summary:

We are seeking roles for both Day time and Waking Nights Family Assessment Practitioners provides overnight supervision and practical support at our residential Family Assessment Centre, ensuring the safety, wellbeing and restful environment of parents and children during assigned day and night shifts.

You will monitor residents, respond to incidents and safeguarding concerns, complete accurate day and night-time observations and records that contribute to multi-disciplinary assessments, and maintain household routines (e.g., focus sessions, night feeds, soothing, hygiene) to model safe parenting practice.

Working closely both day and night staff and management, will complete thorough handovers, escalate concerns promptly to designated safeguarding leads, and support emergency or planned outings where required. The role requires reliability, sound judgment, good communication skills, awareness of safeguarding and child protection procedures, and the ability to work independently during night hours while contributing to the overall assessment process.

Requirements

• To have a NVQ level 3 in children and young people, or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience working with children and families in a social work or related setting such as children homes, family residential assessment centres.
• Awareness and understanding of Domestic abuse, working towards or have a qualification of training.
• Awareness and understanding in Trauma Informed Practice, relevant qualification or training.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse groups
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in report writing and case management
• Ability to work independently whilst maintaining effective teamwork
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, and relevant legislation
• Understanding of National minimum standards and Family Residential assessment centre Regulations.
• Flexibility to adapt assessments based on individual family circumstances
• A recognised qualification in social work, counselling, NVQ, or a related field is desirable but not essential
• Paediatric First Aid
• Valid UK driving licence (business insurance) is preferred for home visits

Skills

• Strong observational skills for spotting changes in child/parent behaviour and welfare Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Ability to assess and manage risk calmly during night incidents Clear, concise written record-keeping and handover note skills
• Good verbal communication and escalation to on‑call managers or safeguarding leads
• Competence in administering medication and health tasks (when trained/authorised)
• Practical baby/childcare skills (settling, feeds, nappy changes, hygiene)
• Calm decision-making and crisis-management under pressure
• Ability to work independently and confidently during day and waking night shifts
• Emotional resilience, patience and empathy for vulnerable families
• Strong boundaries, professional demeanour and confidentiality awareness
• Time-management and prioritisation of tasks overnight and during the day.
• ICT literacy for electronic records and incident reporting systems
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to engage respectfully with diverse families
• Committed to safeguarding and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Proficient in IT, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Dedicated to equal opportunities.
• Able to support and model positive parenting through safe, creative play.
• Enthusiastic about working with young children.
• Commitment to self-development and training. Including a willingness to undertake training as identified
• Must have a clear understanding and knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work on a rostered basis, including weekends and unsociable hours.
• Must understand the broad principles of the Children Act 1989 (and subsequent amendments) and other social care related legislation.

This position offers a rewarding career path for individuals passionate about supporting families through assessment and intervention.

Pay: £13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person