At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and support contact sessions for children and families in a caring environment.
- Company: Join Newham’s Family Contact Centre, dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, holiday pay, and pension scheme with ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team and commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
This role is part of Newham’s Family Contact Centre. You will supervise and support contact sessions for children and families involved in proceedings. The position is a zero‑hour contract requiring up to 20 hours a week across Monday through Saturday (10 am–6 pm).
Key Responsibilities
- Observe and facilitate contacts between children and families in local authority care.
- Manage risk and intervene as necessary to safeguard children.
- Supervise contacts in the centre, via video links or in the community.
- Write contact reports in the agreed format, documenting observations and outcomes.
- Provide safeguarding support and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience working with children and families, especially in child protection or family support services.
- Strong understanding of child protection policy and procedures.
- Experience working collaboratively with social workers, guardians and other agencies.
- Knowledge of child development and parenting.
- Relevant qualification: NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant area (or equivalent).
- Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children and vulnerable groups.
Skills
- Excellent communication with children, families and professionals.
- Strong observational and reporting skills.
- High empathy, emotional intelligence and professionalism.
- Calm under pressure and ability to manage challenging behaviour.
- Organisational and record‑keeping competence.
- Understanding of safeguarding practices and confidentiality.
- Problem‑solving and decision‑making in a child protection context.
- Child‑centred, non‑judgmental approach to achieve positive outcomes.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate (£16.13 per hour, rising to £16.83 after probation).
- Holiday pay and option to join the local authority pension scheme.
- Training, supervision and ongoing support.
Schedule
- Flexitime: Monday‑Friday; weekend availability required.
- Maximum of 20 hours per week across weekdays and Saturdays, 10 am–6 pm.
Other Requirements
- Enhanced DBS and annual Childcare Disqualification Disclosure.
- All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti‑racist environment for all. Applications are assessed on merit regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Legal
The position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and Amendments.
Sessional Contact Supervisor employer: London Borough of Newham
As a Sessional Contact Supervisor at Newham’s Family Contact Centre, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and supporting children and families in need. Our inclusive work culture prioritises professional development, offering training and ongoing support, while the flexible hours allow for a healthy work-life balance. With competitive pay and a strong emphasis on collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Contact Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, or join online forums. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Sessional Contact Supervisor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child protection and family support. We can even role-play with friends to boost our confidence and refine our responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your experience working with children and families to the interview. We want to demonstrate our understanding of safeguarding practices and how we handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Contact Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and families, especially in child protection. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications and experiences without any confusion.
Show Your Passion for Safeguarding:Let us know why safeguarding is important to you! Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of children and vulnerable groups. This will really help your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Newham
✨Know Your Child Protection Policies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the importance of safeguarding in your role as a Contact Supervisor.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your excellent communication skills, especially when interacting with children and families. Think about times you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or situations, as this will highlight your emotional intelligence.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Since the role involves working with social workers and other agencies, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As you'll need to write contact reports and manage records, think of ways to demonstrate your organisational abilities. Bring examples of how you've kept detailed records or managed multiple tasks effectively in previous roles.
