At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families visiting prisoners, ensuring a welcoming and positive experience.
- Company: Ormiston Families, dedicated to improving emotional wellbeing for families in the East of England.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help families build resilience and connections.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a desire to support others.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
At Ormiston Families, we believe everyone in the East of England deserves to feel happier, stronger and understood. For more than 45 years, we've been supporting children, young people and families to overcome challenges, improve emotional wellbeing and build brighter futures. Everything we do is rooted in our values of collaboration, compassion and effectiveness, and we're proud to work alongside people rather than simply for them, creating lasting change through trusted relationships, early intervention and evidence-based support.
Our people are at the heart of our success. We know that when our colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered, they can make the greatest difference to the lives of others. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive, develop and feel proud of the impact they make. Whether you're working directly with families or supporting our services behind the scenes, you'll be part of a dedicated team that shares a common purpose: helping children, young people and families build resilience, strengthen connections and create positive, lasting change in their communities.
If you're looking for a rewarding career where your skills, ideas and compassion can genuinely transform lives, we'd love you to join us. In 2023/24, Ormiston Families’ Prisoner Family Services provided expert support, advice, and guidance to over 60,000 visitors at eight prisons across the East of England, including HMP Chelmsford, helping them deal with a whole range of emotions, including sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, shame, and embarrassment.
We have opportunities to join our experienced and dedicated Family Services team working within the visitors' centre at HMP Chelmsford, providing a personal welcome to first-time and returning visitors, helping them access the services available to them. HMP Chelmsford, part of the main HMP Estate, offers a varied and exciting opportunity to work in a busy yet rewarding environment where no two days are the same.
You will be required to obtain and retain enhanced security vetting for this role. We are seeking a Family Support Worker to join the team in providing effective and efficient running of the Visitor Centre, Tea Bar, and Play Area in the Prison Visits Hall, assisting on Family Days to ensure prisoners and their families have a valuable visiting experience, improving the quality of visits for children, young people and families, and helping to maintain positive, healthy and supportive family relationships.
The salary for this post is £3,322 (based on the Real Living Wage of £24,479 FTE per annum or £13.45 per hour).
Based: HMP Chelmsford Visitors' Centre
Working Pattern: Based on a rota working 4.75 hours average per week, working every other weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) 4.75 hours (11.30am-4.15pm), plus various 'as and when' weekday shifts when required. For all options, a degree of flexibility will be required at times to meet operational demand.
Safeguarding and DBS requirements for your role: Ormiston Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are an equal opportunities employer; we value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Chelmsford employer: Ormiston Families
Ormiston Families is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the families they serve. With a supportive work culture, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth, you will find meaningful engagement in your role at HMP Highpoint. The organisation values strong communication and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to contribute to positive change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Chelmsford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Ormiston Families, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Ormiston Families. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Ormiston Families's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Ormiston Families. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Ormiston Families.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Families
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Ormiston Families.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Chelmsford at Ormiston Families.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Ormiston Families that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Chelmsford role.
