At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people through a national helpline and online peer support programme.
- Company: Join Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a new service shaping support for vulnerable youth across England and Wales.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and young people, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 26208 - 32032 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Victim Support's new national service supporting children and young people affected by the Early Release of Prisoners Scheme across England and Wales. As a Children and Young People's (CYP) Programme Facilitator, you will play a vital role in helping children and young people navigate uncertainty, change and complex emotions as a result of the Early Release of Prisoners Scheme. Working as part of a dedicated specialist team, you will provide information and support through a national helpline, alongside facilitating our innovative online peer support programme.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new service from the very beginning, helping to shape the support available to children, young people and families affected by one of the most significant criminal justice developments in recent years. Whether you are an experienced CYP practitioner, youth worker, family support worker or someone with strong experience supporting vulnerable children and families, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives during times of uncertainty and transition.
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people, amplifying their voices and helping them build confidence, resilience and hope for the future? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
What we offer
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About the role
We are looking for four passionate and dedicated CYP Programme Facilitators to join our new national service supporting children and young people affected by the Early Release of Prisoners Scheme across England and Wales. These are fixed-term positions for 18 months and offer an exciting opportunity to help develop and deliver a new specialist service designed to ensure children and young people have access to timely information, emotional support and opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
As a CYP Programme Facilitator, you will provide support via a dedicated helpline for children, young people, parents and carers. You will listen, assess individual needs, provide age-appropriate information and guidance, offer emotional support, and ensure callers can access additional services where required.
You will also facilitate an innovative online peer support programme designed for children and young people experiencing uncertainty, worry or mixed emotions linked to the release of a prisoner. Through guided discussions, interactive activities and peer support, you will help participants build confidence, resilience, coping skills and stronger support networks in a safe and supportive environment.
Working closely with colleagues and partner organisations across England and Wales, you will ensure children and young people receive high-quality, child-centred support that recognises their individual experiences and promotes their wellbeing, safety and recovery. This role would suit someone with experience of working directly with children and young people, excellent communication and facilitation skills, a strong understanding of safeguarding, and a commitment to empowering young people through challenging circumstances.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we’re proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We’re committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Programme Facilitator- Children and Young People employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Homicide Family Caseworkers in the Central and East of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training programmes that foster career development. Join our passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by crime, while enjoying unique benefits such as birthday leave and exclusive discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Facilitator- Children and Young People
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Victim Support, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Facilitator- Children and Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Victim Support. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Victim Support. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Victim Support.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Programme Facilitator- Children and Young People role at Victim Support, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Victim Support that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
