At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through tough times, delivering creative wellbeing activities.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to transforming hospital experiences for young people.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be a champion for children's rights and help shape their wellbeing journey.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong communication skills, and resilience in challenging situations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the Role
No child should face hospital alone. Are you passionate about supporting young people through life’s toughest moments? We’re looking for a compassionate and creative Young People and Family Support Officer to join our Children’s Wellbeing Service and help shape a new approach to wellbeing care in hospital. If you thrive in emotionally complex environments, love building meaningful relationships, and want to make a real difference to children, young people and families, this could be the role for you.
Responsibilities
- Support children and young people experiencing distress and trauma, helping them feel safe, heard, and empowered.
- Build strong relationships with families and hospital staff to identify those most in need of support.
- Deliver creative wellbeing activities using evidence‑based approaches such as the PACE model and ECHC’s bespoke Changemaker and Gamechanger programmes.
- Champion the rights of children and young people, ensuring they feel informed, included, and in control throughout their hospital journey.
- Signpost and advocate for connecting families with relevant services, and speak up on their behalf when needed.
- Evaluate impact by gathering data and feedback to help shape the future of our wellbeing services.
Qualifications – Must Haves
- Proven experience supporting children, young people, and families, working directly with those who need it most.
- Strong communicator with excellent listening skills.
- Self‑starter and team player who can prioritise effectively, take initiative, and collaborate to meet shared goals.
- Resilient and grounded, remaining calm and compassionate even in emotionally challenging and traumatic situations.
- Professional and approachable, with an understanding of setting and maintaining healthy, respectful boundaries.
Nice to Haves
- Understanding of trauma‑informed approaches and a compassionate, sensitive response to children and families’ experiences.
- Experience in co‑creation, having designed and delivered services in genuine partnership with children, young people, and families to shape the support they receive.
- Well‑connected and informed, with knowledge of local and national services and the ability to guide families toward the help they need.
- Detail‑focused, experienced in keeping accurate records and gathering data to show impact, and using it to inform and improve practice.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all culturally, socially, and personally diverse backgrounds. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with law and regulatory requirements.
Youth Worker & Family Support Officer employer: Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity
Join our dedicated team as a Youth Worker & Family Support Officer, where your passion for supporting young people and families in challenging times will be truly valued. Our organisation fosters a compassionate work culture that prioritises emotional wellbeing, offering continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families during their hospital journey. Located in a supportive environment, we champion diversity and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and respected.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Worker & Family Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of youth work and family support. Attend events, join online forums, or even connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting young people and families. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to emotional resilience and trauma-informed approaches. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Worker & Family Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight why you care about making a difference in their lives.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for this role! Use specific examples from your past work with children and families to demonstrate your skills and how you've made an impact.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to our job description. Highlight your understanding of trauma-informed approaches and any relevant programmes you've worked with, so we can see how you align with our values.
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Show us your approachable side, but also maintain a level of professionalism that reflects your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role and the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their approach to wellbeing care and the specific programmes they use, like the PACE model. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've supported children or families in distress. Highlight how you built relationships and made a difference, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in emotionally complex situations. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving children and families. Practising these responses can help you stay calm and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about their current initiatives or how they measure the impact of their services. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
