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- Tasks: Support families visiting HMP Wayland, ensuring a welcoming and positive experience.
- Company: Join Ormiston Families, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding team that enhances family connections in challenging environments.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14687 - 14687 £ per year.
Salary: £14,687 per annum, (FTE £24,479) (Real Living Wage)
Based: HMP Wayland Visitors’ Centre
The post advertised is a temporary Maternity cover position, working part-time (21 hours per week).
Working Pattern: We facilitate visits on Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays & Sundays. We are recruiting for a Family Support Worker to work the following:
- Monday 9:30am-4:30pm (6.5 hours with 30 mins unpaid break)
- Wednesday 1:30pm-4:30pm (3 hours)
- Thursday 9:30am-4:30pm (6.5 hours with 30 mins unpaid break)
- One day at the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday 11:30am-4:30pm (5 hours per shift) as per the agreed roster.
A degree of flexibility will be required at times to meet operational demand.
We have an opportunity to join our experienced and dedicated Family Services Team working within the visitors’ centre at HMP Wayland, providing a personal welcome for first-time and returning visitors to help them access the services available to them.
HMP Wayland, 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, 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 in providing play activities for children of a range of ages would be advantageous.
Please note: You will also need to be able to have access to a car or be driven to the Prison as HMP Wayland is in a remote location and is not accessible via Public Transport.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday 27th 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 - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Wayland in Norfolk, Thetford employer: Ormiston Families
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Families Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Wayland in Norfolk, Thetford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of family support or prison services. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching HMP Wayland and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to support families. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve demonstrated empathy and problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have experience in customer service or working with children, make sure to highlight that in your conversations. Bring along examples of activities you’ve organised or challenges you’ve overcome to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Keep an eye on the closing date and follow up if you haven’t heard back after a week or two!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Wayland in Norfolk, Thetford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Family Support Worker role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team at HMP Wayland!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with families in a sensitive environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in customer service or working with children, make it shine! We love seeing how your background can contribute to creating a positive visiting experience for families.
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 get the ball rolling on your journey to join our dedicated Family Services Team.
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 for visitors and assisting on Family Days. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging situations. Think about times when you’ve had to communicate effectively with families or children, and be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Non-Judgement
The ability to work with families in sensitive situations is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you approach difficult conversations with empathy and a non-judgemental attitude. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of the importance of maintaining positive family relationships.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since HMP Wayland is in a remote location, ensure you have a reliable way to get there. Whether it’s driving yourself or arranging for someone to take you, plan ahead so you can arrive on time. Mentioning your transport arrangements during the interview can also show your commitment to the role.