At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families visiting prisoners, ensuring a welcoming and positive experience.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at HMP Wayland, making a real difference in family support.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a competitive salary and the chance to develop valuable skills.
- Other info: Access to a car is required due to the remote location of HMP Wayland.
- 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 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.
Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Wayland in Norfolk 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
✨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 common interview questions and come up with examples that showcase your skills in customer service and problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting families in challenging situations. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨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 joining our team at HMP Wayland. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - Prisoner Family Services - HMP Wayland in Norfolk
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 and children, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Share examples of how you've effectively interacted with people in previous roles.
Emphasise Empathy and Problem-Solving: We’re looking for someone who can handle challenging situations with a non-judgemental and empathetic approach. Include instances where you've successfully navigated tough circumstances while supporting others.
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 you started on this exciting journey with StudySmarter.
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 vulnerable families in a non-judgemental way is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you approach sensitive situations with empathy. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your understanding of the importance of maintaining positive family relationships, especially in a challenging environment like a prison.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since HMP Wayland is in a remote location, ensure you have a reliable plan for getting there. Whether you’re driving or being driven, factor in travel time and potential delays. Mentioning your transport arrangements during the interview can show your commitment and readiness for the role.