At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families visiting loved ones in a prison environment and facilitate engaging activities.
- Company: Join Pact, a supportive organisation dedicated to helping families in challenging situations.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, counselling services, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Fixed shifts around prison visits; commitment required for evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: Experience working with families in challenging environments and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
As a Family Support Worker at HMP Brixton, you will provide support to families visiting loved ones in the visitor centre. Visitor centre services include play and children’s services, and a catering service. You will work as one of the PACT Family team, primarily based in the prison's visitor centre and visits hall, providing support, advice and guidance to families visiting prisoners, facilitating prison visits and family days, and supporting the play service.
About You: To be successful in this role, you will have experience and understanding of working with families in a challenging environment, ideally involving offenders and/or their families. You will also have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a demanding workload. You will have the ability to contribute to planning and development of Pact’s family work and knowledge of safeguarding/child protection practice. Furthermore, you will have excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build partnerships with a range of agencies.
This role involves working set shift patterns based on the needs of prison visits, which include evenings and weekends. Shifts are fixed around the visits schedule and cannot be flexed around other commitments. Please make sure you can commit to these hours before applying, particularly if you hold other employment.
What Pact Offer: Pact offers a wide range of employee benefits including free confidential advice and counselling service, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, eye care vouchers, generous annual leave plus more. You will have the opportunity to attend internal training events to further develop yourself as an effective support worker and you will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.
How to apply: If you feel you meet the requirements of this post, please complete an application form by clicking the 'Apply now' button. Applications are monitored as they are received and therefore should a number of suitable candidates apply before the closing date, we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the stated closing date.
Other information: Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment). This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison. We will also require a certificate of good conduct from the Police Force of the country of residence if you have resided overseas for a period of over 12 months (in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over).
Family Support Worker (16 Hours) in London employer: PACT
At Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K), we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Our team members benefit from professional development opportunities, a strong commitment to safeguarding, and the chance to be part of an award-winning service that prioritises the well-being of families in Oxfordshire. Join us to contribute to a cause that truly matters while enjoying a fulfilling career with a focus on personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker (16 Hours) in London
✨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 PACT, 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 PACT. 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 PACT's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker (16 Hours) in London
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 PACT. 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 PACT.
How to prepare for a job interview at PACT
✨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 PACT.
✨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 (16 Hours) at PACT.
✨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 PACT that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Family Support Worker (16 Hours) role.