Job Description

12 Month Fixed Term / Secondment Opportunity (Maternity Cover)

Hackney is one of Britain’s most exciting and fastest-changing boroughs. We have changed the reputation, not just of the Council, but of Hackney itself. The challenges that have arisen over the last two years have intensified the need for action and we are determined to rebuild Hackney for, and with, our diverse communities.

Pause works with women who have experienced – or are at risk of – repeated pregnancies that result in children needing to be removed from their care. The programme gives women the chance to pause and take control over their lives, breaking a destructive cycle that causes both them and their children deep trauma.

City and Hackney Public Health Service is a vibrant and dedicated team, serving the populations of both Hackney and the City of London and known for being innovative and passionate about improving the health of our local populations. The team is on a journey to transform the authorities, to take a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach.

The City Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK, aiming to contribute to a flourishing society, shape outstanding environments and support a thriving economy.

If you would like to find out more information about Public Health in Hackney, please click on this link: https://recruitment.hackney.gov.uk/the-public-health-team/ [recruitment.hackney.gov.uk]

Are you an ambitious, creative and influential practitioner who is passionate about reducing the number of children being removed into care by supporting women to bring about change in their lives?

As a Pause Practitioner Hackney, you will deliver a range of interventions and support measures as part of an integrated package of health, therapeutic and social support for women on the programme, under the direction of the Pause and STEPs Practice Lead.

You will undertake a creative and tenacious outreach approach to engage women and utilise a broad range of highly developed skills, alongside a high level of professional autonomy. The post holder will have the ability to adapt to shifting demands and priorities and be flexible in their approach to working with women on the programme.

You will be a big part of a small team, where everyone takes a flexible and collaborative approach to work, and is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Like Pause, you will be passionate about changing entrenched social issues, and will respond by ‘doing things differently’.

About Us:

The following criteria is essential for this post: 

  • Relevant professional qualification/experience in a field relevant to the work of the Pause team e.g. nursing, social work, mental health, education, criminal justice, youth work, therapeutic practice, counselling, criminal justice or equivalent
  • Experience of working with families/individuals who present with a range of complex needs (mental health challenges, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence) and demonstrate an ability to create rapport and build effective relationships
  • Experience of case management including assessments, care planning and reviews with clients with complex needs
  • Highly developed knowledge of adult safeguarding, childcare legislation and local Child Protection Procedures
  • Ability to use influence and evidence to improve outcomes for Pause women
  • An understanding of child development, parenting capacity, risk and protective factors
  • Ability to work flexibly as part of a team

Please note, an Enhanced DBS check will be required 

Key Accountabilities:

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought after areas to live in London with good schools, parks and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.

Closing date for applications29 October 2023.

Interview dateW/C 06 October 2023.

Click here to apply.