At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children during contact sessions and ensure their safety.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving the lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, mileage reimbursement, and training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
- Other info: Must have a car; training and support will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Service Area: Children & Families Service
Contract: 3 months minimum, with potential for extension
Working Hours: Flexible, including early evenings and weekends
Car Required: Yes (car seats and baby carriers provided)
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a Family Time Contact Worker on a 3-month temporary basis to support our Family Time Service during a period of extreme demand. This role is vital in ensuring that vulnerable children and young people (aged 0-18) are safely transported to and from contact venues to meet with their birth parents, as directed by the courts.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate and supervise one-to-one and group contact sessions in line with children’s care plans.
- Provide practical and emotional support to children and families during contact and transport.
- Ensure child safety and well-being is always the top priority.
- Build trusting relationships with children and young people, including those in foster care or out-of-city placements.
- Transport children safely using your own vehicle (mileage reimbursed; car seats provided).
- Record observations and session details using our social care systems.
- Work flexibly, including after-school hours and weekends.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience working with vulnerable children and young people.
- Strong ability to build rapport and manage challenging behaviours.
- Understanding of child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care.
- Confident communicator with children, families, and professionals.
- Willingness to work flexibly and independently.
- NVQ Level 2 in a relevant field (or equivalent experience); willingness to work toward Level 3.
Additional Information
- You will receive training to supervise contact visits and use our recording systems.
- You must be able to converse in English with members of the public as required by The Immigration Act 2016.
- Enhanced DBS and Disqualification from Childcare Declaration required.
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Time Contact Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of child development and trauma-informed care. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the well-being of the children you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of social care. Attend local workshops or seminars related to child welfare, as this can provide you with valuable insights and connections that may lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving vulnerable children and families, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage challenging behaviours.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to work outside of standard hours. Highlight any previous experience where you've adapted your schedule to meet the needs of children and families, as this is a key requirement for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Time Contact Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience with vulnerable children and young people in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build rapport and manage challenging behaviours.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and families. Mention your flexibility and willingness to work outside regular hours, as well as your communication skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with vulnerable children and young people. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to child welfare and how you can positively impact their lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Family Time Contact Worker, you'll need to communicate effectively with children, families, and professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in challenging situations, showcasing your ability to build rapport and manage behaviours.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Independence
This role requires a flexible approach to working hours and the ability to work independently. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences where you adapted to changing circumstances or worked autonomously to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Understand Child Development and Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with key concepts related to child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how these principles guide your practice and decision-making when working with children and families.