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- Tasks: Support families visiting HMP Highpoint, ensuring a welcoming and positive experience.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Ormiston Families, committed to family welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Access to transport required; dynamic role with a focus on family support.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 15386 - 15386 £ per year.
We have opportunities to join our experienced and dedicated Family Services Team working within the visitors’ centre at HMP Highpoint, providing a personal welcome for first-time and returning visitors to help them access the services available to them. HMP Highpoint 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, 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.
Ideally, you will have experience of dealing with people in a customer service-based role and be able to demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills, sometimes under challenging circumstances, whilst embracing a non-judgemental and empathetic work ethic. Experience of providing play activities for children of a range of ages is essential.
Please note: You will need to have access to your own transport as HMP Highpoint is not accessible by public transport.
Salary: £15,386 per annum (based on Real Living Wage of £13.45 per hour)
Based: HMP Highpoint Visitors’ Centre
Working Pattern: We run the visit centre on Wednesdays/Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays & Mondays, and the rota-based shift pattern for this post is as follows:
- Mondays (5 hours – 12noon to 5pm with no unpaid break)
- Wednesdays (5.5 hours – 9am to 3pm with 30-minute unpaid break)
- Fridays (5 hours – 12noon to 5pm with no unpaid break)
- One full weekend every other weekend: Saturday (5 hours - 12pm to 5pm with no unpaid break) and Sunday (8 hours – 8.30am to 5pm with 30 minute unpaid break).
The average hours will be 22 hours per week. For all options, a degree of flexibility will be required at times to meet operational demand.
For further information and to apply, please visit our Work With Us page via our Ormiston Families website. Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 11th May 2026.
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.
Locations
Family Support Worker in Newmarket, Suffolk employer: Ormiston Families
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Families Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Newmarket, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Family Services Team! Research their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with what they do. This will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with families and children, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with potential questions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve had to think on your feet. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to highlight your ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at HMP Highpoint.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Newmarket, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting families shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about this role and how your values align with ours at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in customer service or working with children. We love seeing how your background can contribute to creating a positive visiting experience for families.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences that match the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our Work With Us page on the Ormiston Families website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Families
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as providing a welcoming environment and assisting families during visits. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals or families in challenging situations. Highlight how you maintained a non-judgemental approach and helped improve their circumstances. This will show that you have the right mindset for working in a sensitive environment.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial when dealing with visitors and families. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to communicate clearly and effectively, especially under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult conversations and ensure everyone feels heard and supported.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since you'll be working with children and families, be prepared for practical questions or role-play scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would engage children in play activities or manage a busy visitor centre. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers.