At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in creating plans to keep children safe and at home.
- Company: Children First, a charity dedicated to children's rights and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days leave, health plan, and cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and advocate for their rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for children's rights.
The predicted salary is between 30602 - 35778 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity to join Children First. Children First's ambition is for every child in Scotland to be safe, loved and well with their family. As a charity, we offer emotional, practical, and financial support to help families put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child.
We are looking for a full-time Family Group Decision Making Coordinator to join our team in East Ayrshire. As a Coordinator, you will work with children and families of all ages and at different stages of risk and need. Family Group Decision Making is working with family groups in a strengths-based way to support them to create Family Plans, keeping children safe and at home within their family networks.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in Family Group Decision Making, restorative and strengths-based approaches to working with families, and has experience of working with children where there are safeguarding or wellbeing concerns.
Children First are determined that the full incorporation of the UNCRC means that children will have their rights respected in all areas of their lives and will have a real say in the way they are supported. If you share this determination, we would love to hear from you.
What kind of people are we looking for?
- Have experience of keeping children safe in their own families
- Are fiercely passionate about children's rights
- Think it's a privilege to work with and on behalf of children and families
- Are kind and will bring their whole selves to the job: heart and mind
What kind of team member will you be?
- Resilient, skilled and knowledgeable who wants to transform children's lives
- Determined to support children to stay safely with their own family
- Big-hearted and courageous
- Able to build strong relationships and to manage tricky conversations
- Compassionate and understanding of trauma
- A cool head and clear-minded at times of pressure
- Inspiring colleagues and teams to be even better
- An amazing ambassador for children and Children First
Above all else, the most important thing to us is that you are someone who will do the right thing for children and their families at every turn.
At Children First, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects communities across Scotland. Guided by our values, With Love, With Purpose, With Strength, we strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive. We actively work to remove barriers to inclusion and promote equity in all aspects of our work. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those from marginalised communities, and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and supportive recruitment process.
Base
You will be based with our East Ayrshire FGDM team, co-located in the HSCP, Kilmarnock/Cumnock.
Salary, Conditions, Pension
We will offer you a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement (40 days inclusive of 9 public holidays). We have additional benefits such as a cash back health plan, cycle to work scheme, and option to join a Credit Union.
Further Information
Closing date: 20 November 2026. We welcome and encourage applications from potential colleagues from all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief, disability who share our values. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role before applying, please contact: rosemary.mccabe@childrenfirst.org.uk
FGDM Coordinator (Maternity Cover) - 495401 in Kilmarnock employer: Children First
Children First is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Glasgow and surrounding areas. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to comprehensive health resources, all within a supportive and values-driven work culture. Join us in our mission to transform lives, where your contributions will be valued and you will have opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FGDM Coordinator (Maternity Cover) - 495401 in Kilmarnock
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Children First.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Children First!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Children First, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Children First or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace FGDM Coordinator (Maternity Cover) - 495401 in Kilmarnock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Children First:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Children First! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children First
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
