Family Lead Practitioner – Reading Council (Contract)

About the role

Vitalis is recruiting experienced Family Lead Practitioners to join the Families First team at Reading Borough Council. This contract position supports children, young people and families on child‑in‑need plans, aiming for positive and lasting outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Work within a social‑work pod delivering effective family‑support interventions for S.17 child‑in‑need plans.
• Manage a caseload, progress interventions identified in assessments, and co‑produce outcome‑focused plans with families.
• Organise and chair child‑in‑need review meetings and report to line manager.
• Act as main point of contact and advocate for families, coordinating services to prevent escalation.
• Build trusting, culturally humble relationships with young people and families in line with Reading’s Practice Framework.

Required profile

• Dedicated and compassionate professional with experience in family support or social work.
• Strong ability to coordinate multi‑agency services and lead review meetings.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with cultural humility.
• Commitment to achieving positive, sustained outcomes for children and families.

Required skills

• Not specified

What we offer

• £25 per hour contract rate.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive council team.