Salary: 24,000 - 26,000 (full time salary, part time pro rata)
Term: Fixed Term contract for 12-months, with an option to extend subject to funding
The Family Support Co-ordinator role will provide flexible and bespoke family support to parents and carers where children and young people maybe on the edge of care to receive the right support at the right time, building on their strengths and reducing the need for statutory supports. A key part of this role will be working in partnership with Statutory and Voluntary Services by signposting, sharing resources, learning and creating solutions that help families to thrive.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Relationships
Work alongside other Family Support Co-ordinators to develop good communication and working relationships with families, colleagues, third sector organisations and other professionals
Work alongside all immediate family members as required
Advocate on behalf of families
Support families and children in the local community
Develop relationships with third sector organisations across communities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Represent Befriend a Child in local partnership agencies including Local Authority, Social Work, Housing Services and other relevant bodies when necessary
Practice & Service Delivery
Provide appropriate levels of high-quality support to families in their homes and community
Deliver evidenced based family support that helps families overcome current challenges and build resilience for the future
Plan, implement and continuously develop packages of tailored interventions for families to meet their needs. Including: providing a listening ear and practical support; sign posting to other third sector organisations; parenting education and support; emotional health and wellbeing; and care packages as well as other factors that are unique to that family
Assist individuals accessing the service to engage and integrate into their local community and become active citizens
Have comprehensive local knowledge of communities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and the ability to research other relevant services and supports which will enable family members to access these
Collaborate with other third sector organisations to develop a referral pathway for their services on behalf of families
Adopt a person-centred approach and participate in reflective practice
Adopt and maintain a needs-led individual plan per family and consistently assess progress and outcomes for them
Create and maintain comprehensive case notes
Evaluate the outcomes of each individual family
Personal & Organisational Development
Actively contribute to the Operations programmes and the organisation's development and improvement structure
Participate in team meetings
Attend and participate in training and share learning experiences
Engage in reflective practice
Feedback on reviews of organisational polices & procedures and local guidelines
Promote and represent Befriend a Child services positively
Strive for continuous personal and professional development
Retain up to date knowledge so that evidence-based family support can be provided
Other
Act as an ambassador for the charity, lead by example to promote an exceptional service
Provide the Senior Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator with stories and quotes from families as required and input into creation of any marketing materials relevant to family support
Represent the charity at events as required, this may be at evenings or weekends
Any other duties as required to support the Family Support project and Operations team
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Experience and Knowledge
Experience in social work, community work, family support or other appropriate area
Experience of working with families facing challenges and their children who maybe on the edge of care
Understanding of current relevant legislation and policies relating to children, young people and families, including GIRFEC, UNCRC, The Promise
Knowledge of the key issues facing children, young people, and families such as the effects of trauma and poverty
Understanding of, and commitment to, children and young people's rights, rights of unpaid carers or kinship carers or care experienced children
Ability to demonstrate experience of adopting a person-centered and strengths-based approach to working with people
Ability to work as part of a designated team to develop skills in assessment, support planning, risk assessment and reviews
Ability to influence and inform good working practices
Able to demonstrate skills and experience in prioritizing resources to meet the needs of families
Skills and Abilities
Excellent research skills and knowledge of local communities
Computer literate and competent with Microsoft Office software package
Ability to ensure the service is delivered in accordance with corporate policy and organisational objectives
Skills and ability in effective time management and working to deadlines
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work cooperatively with others as part of a team demonstrating commitment to group objectives
Understanding and respecting the importance of confidentiality
Ability to successfully manage own caseload
Ability to work towards performance targets to achieve agreed outcomes
People Focus
Commitment to provide a culture of safety, fairness, and inclusiveness
Ability to understand and consider the views, concerns, and needs of others when taking action.
Ability to support and mentor colleagues as and when required
Any other requirements
Ability to respond at short notice to crisis situations
Be comfortable with lone working when visiting families and third sector organisations
A full UK driving license and access to a car is essential as there is some travel within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Reward package for staff
SALARY
24,000 - 26,000 per annum (pro rata for part time), depending on experience.
HOURS OF WORK
22.5 hrs per week plus occasional evening and weekend work. Staff are currently hybrid working between the office and home.
EXPENSES
Mileage and fares incurred by employees during their duties will be reimbursed at Social Work Casual Users Rate. Reasonable subsistence may be claimed when working out of the office or working overtime.
ANNUAL LEAVE
Full-time employees are entitled to 35 days holiday (this includes all statutory public holidays), part time staff are pro-rata.
OTHER BENEFITS
Salary will be paid for days absent due to illness. All other benefits including Maternity/Paternity Leave and Compassionate Leave will be as per statutory requirements or at the discretion of the Chief Executive.
Medicash & EAP available to all staff
PENSION
After a qualifying period, employees are entitled to join the group Pension Scheme to which the charity contributes on a sliding scale determined by length of service.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Befriend a Child recognises the importance of developing our team. We offer structured induction support and encourage staff to undertake training to develop their skills and interests at work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Befriend a Child is situated in the centre of Aberdeen in Bon-Accord Square, with its own private staff car park with easy access from Bon-Accord Street. Employees have their own work space and full IT support. The culture within Befriend a Child is based on mutual respect and teamwork. Dress code is smart but casual.
Your Application
To apply, please forward a copy of your CV along with a supporting statement explaining how you meet the personal specification and any other information you wish us to take into consideration. Please also include the name and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current employer.
Please send application information to Jean Gordon, Head of Operations, to jean@befriendachild.org.uk buy end of business on Thursday 19th June 2025.
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25th June 2025. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements for interview.
For further information please contact Jean Gordon, Head of Operations at jean@befriendachild.org.uk or tel: 01224 210060.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: 24,000.00-26,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Benefits:
Company pension
On-site parking
Work from home
Work Location: In person