Action for Children
Action for Children

Charity registered in Scotland SC038092

Action for Children helps some of the UK's most vulnerable children and young people. Our work is varied, the effects far reaching. 


Current vacancies

Young Persons Practitioner (12051)

  • Full time or Part time
  • £23,500
  • City of Glasgow (On site)
  • Closing 23rd May 2024

Benefits:

A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays

Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.

Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.

Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.

A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.

Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.

Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

“Supporting mental health and wellbeing is a big part of what we do. We help young people talk about how they're feeling, and make sure they don't feel alone.”

Are you passionate about supporting young people's mental health and emotional well-being? We are seeking a dedicated Young Persons Practitioner's to join our team in Glasgow. As part of the Glasgow Secondary Schools Counselling and Blues Service, you'll play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, school-based professional counseling and group work services to secondary school children aged 12-18 years.

The Blues Programme is an internationally acclaimed wellbeing programme for young people. Over six weeks, it teaches emotional resilience, and reduces low mood and anxious thoughts. Crucially, it gets teenagers talking.

As a Young Person's Practitioner, you'll be involved in delivering one-hour group sessions at school each week, plus set home tasks. As a result, students learn how to challenge negative thoughts, and talk about different coping strategies.

Regular group work builds rapport and confidence. The home tasks are a chance to practice the new skills. It's simple, and it works.

As part of a supportive team, you'll work alongside trained Action for Children Blues specialists who are committed to making a positive impact in what is a truly rewarding role.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities as a Young Persons Practitioner are;

  • Providing a high-quality service to children, young people and their families, based on an assessment of need and is outcomes driven.
  • Delivering complex and specialist interventions with children, young people or families on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.
  • Attending and participating at relevant multi agency meetings, providing a lead role ensuring reflective and analytical practice review.
  • Taking responsibility for day to day resource planning to ensure high quality services are delivered.
  • Establishing and developing effective relationships and channels of communication with children, young people, families, colleagues, community organisations, partner agencies and other external agencies

Let's talk about you

  • We are very much open to experience rather than specific qualifications.
  • Experience working within a multi-agency social care, schools, youth work or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Ability to keep the child and or young people as the focus and ensure their feelings and wishes are represented in meetings and record keeping.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and engagingly and to maintain independent professional relationships and boundaries.
  • Working knowledge of an outcome based approach to planning, delivering and reviewing services.

Good to know

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Shortlist

Residential Support Worker (12034)

  • Full time or Part time
  • £24,800
  • Cumnock, East Ayrshire (On site)
  • Closing 27th May 2024

Benefits:

  • A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays
  • Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.
  • Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
  • A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.
  • Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.
  • Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our Residential Support Worker is a great opportunity for those experienced working in a care setting and looking to implement those skills with an aim to progress to the next stage of their career with our help. You'll manage risk in a way which empowers young people and builds resilience, whilst at the same time ensuring their safety. You'll demonstrate a high standard of person-centred practice, have good social care values and be a strong role model to our children and young people.

In return we'll offer you amazing opportunities to progress within our organisation.​​

We offer an in-depth induction process and training.

Alongside this, we'll enrol you in the qualifications which you need to work in the industry.​

Regular supervision with your line manager, team meetings etc. will ensure you feel part of our team. ​​

Once you've gained the relevant experience and qualifications you'll be ready to progress to the next step in your career with us.

About the service

‘Meeting new people. Seeing new places. Doing new things.' That's what our Short Breaks services are all about! They are an opportunity for disabled children and young people to have fun, gain independence, learn and develop while families get to take a much needed break.

As one of our Residential Support Worker's, your role will involve providing encouragement and support to young people, aged 5 to 21, in order to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals. You'll be responsible for assessing their needs, setting goals, and regularly reviewing and evaluating their progress. By creating a fun, safe, and stimulating environment, you'll contribute to their overall development and well-being.

You'll plan and take part in activities based at the service as well as out in the community such as trips to the local shops, parks, cinema, soft play, youth club, beach, swimming and various others. You'll also provide support with day to day routines, life skills, attend to personal care and administer medication following the appropriate training.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker roles are;

  • Providing lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
  • Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
  • Attending professional meetings including reviews, court work etc.
  • Supporting children and young people with medical needs.
  • Assisting the children and young people in all aspects of their care, supporting their health and wellbeing where you'll significantly improve their lives.
  • Taking the lead role and having key-working responsibilities.

Let's talk about you

Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We're looking for someone with a ‘can do' attitude to join our team. Ideally you'll have:

  • Demonstrable experience of working in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
  • Application of a range of techniques to co-ordinate and communicate with service users and their families.
  • Demonstrate a solution focused approach to address problems, individually and in a team setting.
  • Demonstrate emotional resilience to respond to the challenging nature of the role.
  • Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years of commencing employment with us, full support will be provided.

Good to know

We'll be hosting an event on 21st May between 11am – 1pm at Lisalanna, Lugar Street, Millbank, Cumnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland, KA18 1AB so please do feel free to come along and find out more about the service and role, We'd love to meet you!

Application Process

There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool

We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
Closed vacancies
This vacancy has now closed

Fostering Social Worker (11883)

  • Full time
  • £38,000
  • Inverness (On site)
  • Closing 29th April 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Action for Children's Fostering Service is a specialist fostering service that offers therapeutic care to children and young people who cannot be looked after at home. We offer the highest standard of care providing carers with excellent training, supervision, and support to achieve the best outcomes for the young people we look after. We have excellent fostering inspections and provide good quality of care to young people, always ensuring we listen to our young people every step of the way.

You'll promote the highest standards of care and wellbeing for our young people, and guide and deliver training to foster carers with opportunities to really get to know young people and support them on their journey. By thinking therapeutically and creatively (with and for) young people and ensuring best practice, you'll make a real and lasting difference. You'll be part of a team that values relational- based practice, as this is at the heart of all that we do!

Our Service is growing, and as a Fostering Social Worker you'll be working in Gael Og, our Fostering Scotland team covering the Highlands. Our Fostering Head Office base is in Glasgow with a local office in Inverness and we can discuss the frequency of office-based work at the interview stage.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the role are;

  • Bringing your experience values and enthusiasm.
  • Being part of a team to support fostering families to provide stable and loving experiences for young people.
  • Working with others to inspire, support and keep children and young people safe.
  • Creating memories and support connections with young people's families and their siblings.
  • Feeling confident and skilled in your role.

Let's talk about you

  • A degree in social work or equivalent and experience of safeguarding/ public protection is essential.
  • Experience of family-based care or post qualifying training would be an advantage as would experience of assessing, supervising and supporting foster carers.
  • Registered or willing to be registered with SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council).
  • Strong commitment to work within our therapeutic framework to support the needs of children.

Benefits:

  • A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays
  • Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.
  • Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.
  • Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
  • A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.
  • Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.
  • Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Want to know more about Action for Children?

Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Participation Worker (11882)

  • Part time
  • £24,500 pro-rata
  • West Dunbartonshire (On site)
  • Closing 26th April 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

We believe in really listening to our infants, children, young people and families. We believe in those views being at the heart of how we make big decisions about plans, about services and about direction. If we understand and respond to people's experiences – the good and the bad – this will lead us to better, smarter, kinder ways of being – and create better opportunities for everyone.

We have an amazing opportunity for a Participation Worker who'll work closely with our experienced Engagement Coordinator to build relationships with a wide range of people, supporting them to share their views and experiences in a way that is flexible, creative and feels safe.

You'll work with children, young people and their families to establish a policy that can be used consistently across services in West Dunbartonshire about fair remuneration, exploring the most valued way we can recognise their expertise and contribution. The Participation team will reach as many of our children, young people and families as possible, consulting on a range of issues around The Promise.

The other aspect of their role will be how this information is then blended with the quantitative data we have – how the stories this person has gathered are conveyed to staff at all levels, making sure the experiences behind the stats are understood.

We're looking for a bright and friendly individual with a passion for listening to, empowering and raising the voices of children, young people and their families. Experience engaging and working with children, young people and families in creative and meaningful ways is desirable but full training and coaching will also be provided and we welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of social care.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the role will be;

  • Experience or interest in youth work/community development/participation.
  • An understanding of The Promise and what is means for Scotland's children and young people.
  • Working within the service and other partners to establish ways in which children and young people are able to participate more fully in their own lives.
  • Ability to think creatively to promote inclusion and keep participation fun and meaningful.
  • Ability to think on your feet to adapt activities and approaches to best suit participants.

Let's talk about you

  • Relevant experience of working with children and young people.
  • Desire to support and empower others and compassionate of experiences and views of others.
  • Basic ICT skills and ability to gather and present evidence effectively.
  • Ability to work independently as well as with colleagues and partner organisations.

Benefits:

  • A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays
  • Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.
  • Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.
  • Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
  • A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.
  • Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.
  • Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Good to know

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Support Worker - Days

  • Part time
  • £24,800 pro-rata
  • Hamilton (On site)
  • Closing 23rd April 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our Residential Support Worker (Level 2) is a great opportunity for those experienced working in a care setting and looking to implement those skills with an aim to progress to the next stage of their career with our help. You'll manage risk in a way which empowers young people and builds resilience, whilst at the same time ensuring their safety. You'll demonstrate a high standard of person-centred practice, have good social care values and be a strong role model to our children and young people.

In return we'll offer you amazing opportunities to progress within our organisation.​​

We offer an in-depth induction process and training.

Alongside this, we'll enrol you in the qualifications which you need to work in the industry.​

Regular supervision with your line manager, team meetings etc. will ensure you feel part of our team. ​​

Once you've gained the relevant experience and qualifications you'll be ready to progress to the next step in your career with us.

About the service

Our Silverton Short Breaks Service offers support to children and young people from the ages 5yrs – 18yrs who have disabilities. We work to reduce the impact of the disability on the child's day to day life by providing support for them to participate, make choices, enjoy new experiences, make friendships and be part of their local community. At the same time parents and carers can have a much-needed break knowing their child is in a safe, fun and enriching environment.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

  • Provide lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
  • Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
  • Attendance at professional meetings including reviews, court work etc.
  • Making sure our young people are safe and cared for when they are away from home.
  • Assisting in all aspects of their daily lives and supporting their health and happiness.
  • Supporting and participating with keyworkers to maintain an up-to-date Plan for young people.

Let's talk about you

Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We're looking for someone with a ‘can do' attitude to join our team. Ideally you'll have:

  • Demonstrable experience of working in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
  • Application of a range of techniques to co-ordinate and communicate with service users and their families.
  • Demonstrate a solution focused approach to address problems, individually and in a team setting.
  • Demonstrate emotional resilience to respond to the challenging nature of the role.
  • Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years of commencing employment with us, full support will be provided.
Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Community Short Breaks Practitioner

  • Part time
  • £22,500 pro-rata
  • Blantyre, South Lanarkshire (On site)
  • Closing 8th April 2024

Benefits:

  • A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays
  • Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.
  • Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.
  • Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
  • A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.
  • Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.
  • Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

The aim of our Silverton Hub based in Blantyre, is to support children with disabilities. We ensure the child feels involved in their community and enjoys their childhood experience and builds their confidence whilst developing the family's resilience to deal with the day-to-day challenges of their care giving duties.

You'll provide support to a range of young people from the ages of 5 to 23. The support is personalized to each child's specific needs, likes, character and their personality. This is directed through an extensive and well researched care plan which is strongly led by the child's voice.

More specifically your role will involve going out and about in the community with young people introducing them to mainstream activities and supporting them to enjoy new experiences and to follow their own interests. This could include trips to parks, swimming, bowling, and the cinema. It may involve shopping trips, outings on buses and trains, visits to cafes, clubs, and museums.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

You'll work as part of a well supported and trained team who work extremely hard to achieve positive outcomes for our young people.

As a Community Short Breaks Practitioner you'll be;

  • Managing cases, completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Working within a multi-agency social care multi-agencies, early years or health environments.
  • Helping young people with a learning disability have a presence in the community.
  • Supporting young people by providing emotional support and keep the child and or young people as the focus and ensure their feelings and wishes are represented in meeting

Let's talk about you

  • Experience working within a care environment - preferably working with children and young people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers.
  • A HNC/ SVQ Social Care preferred – but candidates without this may have an opportunity to work towards a qualification.
  • Confident delivering specialist interventions within young people and their families on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.
  • Easily establish and develop relationships with those young people and their families
  • To register with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) within 6 months of starting in post.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Process:There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Worker

  • Full time or Part time
  • £24,000
  • Cumnock
  • Closing 18th March 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

‘Meeting new people. Seeing new places. Doing new things.' That's what our short breaks services are all about! They are an opportunity for disabled children and young people to have fun, gain independence, learn and develop while families get to take a much needed break.

As one of our Residential Worker's, your role will involve providing encouragement and support to young people, aged 5 to 21, in order to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals. You'll be responsible for assessing their needs, setting goals, and regularly reviewing and evaluating their progress. By creating a fun, safe, and stimulating environment, you'll contribute to their overall development and well-being.

You'll plan and take part in activities based at the service as well as out in the community such as trips to the local shops, parks, cinema, soft play, youth club, beach, swimming and various others. You'll also provide support with day to day routines, life skills, attend to personal care and administer medication following the appropriate training.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential worker role are;

  • Developing meaningful, nurturing and professional relationships with a focus on the rights and responsibilities of children and young people.
  • Supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes for their future.
  • Supporting children and young people with medical needs.
  • Providing a safe environment for them to enjoy time with their friends.
  • Giving families the break they need to continue supporting their amazing children.
  • Assisting the children and young people in all aspects of their care, supporting their health and wellbeing where you'll significantly improve their lives.
  • Ensuring young people have the opportunity to be independent and are able to communicate their needs.
  • Taking the lead role and having key-working responsibilities.

Let's talk about you

  • Ideally, an SVQ Level 3 Children and Young People & HNC in Social Care or equivalent which would meet the registration requirements. (We may consider applicants without required qualifications who are willing to work towards gaining the qualifications within set time scales).
  • Experience of working in a residential care setting and undertaking personal care as required.
  • The ability to record and update case notes, both written and electronically.
  • Safeguarding knowledge.
  • Ability to work well as part of a team and on own initiative.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Counsellor (11614)

  • Full time
  • £27,000
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 10th March 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

A fantastic opportunity for a qualified counsellor to gain or strengthen their experience in a high school setting which has emerged within our established team in Glasgow. As a part of our supportive team, you'll receive monthly supervisions to meet regulatory requirements, guided by an experienced supervisor. Additionally, you'll be part of a supportive community of counsellors and practitioners within a large school-based team.

We're seeking counsellors to deliver a high-quality, school-based professional counselling service by effectively intervening, managing cases, and assessing the needs of secondary school students aged 12-18 years. Your role will ensure the provision of safe care and the achievement of positive outcomes in collaboration with the students.

As a member of a passionate broader team, your focus will be on promoting and enhancing the mental health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being of secondary school students who may be adversely affected or at risk of poor mental health. Your ability to engage effectively with young people will be crucial in providing counselling support, primarily within a school setting, although there may also be occasions requiring support in a local community or home setting.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the role are;

  • Providing a high-quality service to young people, that is outcomes-driven and based on an assessment of need.
  • Delivering complex and specialist interventions with young people on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.
  • Implement lead case/care planning management, including undertaking assessing, reviewing and managing risks.
  • Attending and participating at relevant multi agency meetings, providing a lead role ensuring reflective and analytical practice review.

Let's talk about you

A recognised counselling qualification (e.g., diploma counselling), with relevant experience and be registered/accredited with COSCA/BACP/BABCP or equivalent.

Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, schools, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding best practice.

Experience of managing cases, in accordance with agreed procedures and completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes.

Willingness to train in relevant Evidence Based Programmes including the Blues programme or Decider.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Person's Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £23,500
  • East Lothian wide
  • Closing 28th February 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Do you have a sound understanding of issues affecting young people and families, maybe through experience working with care experienced young people and families or through your own lived experience?

Chances Service works with vulnerable young people aged 12- 21 for whom there is significant professional concerns and elevated risk factors. Chances Service offers direct work with vulnerable young people focusing upon their behaviour, building on their strengths and qualities, strengthening family links and engaging positively with their community.

You'll deliver tailored support through varied interventions consisting of weekly 1-1 sessions and pro-social activities in various community settings to young people who have been referred to the service. Intervention support is on a flexible hours basis and includes evening and weekend support depending on the young person's plan.

You'll act as a role model, be a consistent positive adult and focus on building relationships with young people and their families that will ultimately help divert behaviours, build structure and confidence to achieve positive outcomes based on an assessment of their needs. It is imperative the post holder works alongside the family to provide support, address vulnerabilities and strengthen family relationships.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

You'll play a key role as part of a wider team of professionals across multi-agencies and it will enable you to grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region and gain invaluable experience within a great charity.

Key responsibilities will be;

  • Providing direct community based 1-1 to children and young people referred to the service and wider working with the family.
  • Providing community based interventions to divert children and young people from the concerning trajectory their behaviour is placing them on.
  • Maintaining your own calendar, keeping up to do case notes and sharing significant information with the child's key team where necessary.
  • Adopt and apply the values within East Lothian Council Children's Services core services;.
  • Working together with East Lothian Children's Services on agreed children's plans and co-producing solutions.
  • Working directly with the family and ensure that the family has a voice throughout the period of involvement with the service;
  • Working in partnership with other teams/organisations who may be involved in the young person's care plan to deliver outcomes;

Let's talk about you

You'd ideally have the below in order to help succeed in this role, however we are very open to relevant experience.

  • An SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent is desirable.
  • Proven assessment skills and experience of working towards outcome focused care / service plans.
  • Have the ability to communicate effectively and engagingly in order to maintain independent, professional relationships.
  • Utilize management systems and databases.
  • Driving licence and access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Worker

  • Part time
  • £22,400 pro-rata
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 22nd February 2024

Benefits: 29 days annual leave (pro rata) PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Action for Children's Intervention Service is a voluntary service designed to improve the outcomes for the most vulnerable, dis-enfranchised children and young people aged 11-18 years who are involved in offending behaviour.

The Intervention Service forms partnership with Glasgow Health and Social Care and Police Scotland as part of a multi-agency partnership strategy to intervene in a child or young person's life as early as possible to prevent the likelihood or impact of criminal exploitation.

The aim of the project is to provide intensive 1:1, group work and diversionary activities to help equip the child or young person with the necessary skills and tools to make positive choices and to re-engage and sustain education, training, or employment.

We provide focused intervention work to allow the child and young people to maximise their true potential and to help them overcome personal and practical barriers that prevent them from making positive lifestyle choices. It is imperative we work alongside the family to provide support and address vulnerabilities to strengthen family relationships.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Following a person-centred approach we are able to promote the individual and match them to suitable opportunities.

Some key responsibilities will be;

  • A knowledge and expertise on how best to work with vulnerable young people and in partnership with the other agencies involved in their support.
  • Resilience and understanding when dealing with challenging young people and have a non-judgemental approach.
  • Flexibly around service users' needs and often out of core hours.
  • Responsible for assessments, care planning and reviewing of the young people referred to the service.
  • Build and sustain positive relationships, acting as a positive role model, using their own experiences to challenge negative and criminal behaviours while promoting positive choice and development.

Let's talk about you

  • Youth work / Social care qualification, but we are very open to relevant experience.
  • Driving licence and access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.
  • Knowledge of the issues and barriers that Children and Young People face within a Youth Justice setting.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and engagingly and to maintain independent professional relationships and boundaries

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Housing Support Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £25,600
  • East Lothian
  • Closing 27th February 2024

We have two roles available, one of the roles will be a 4 week rolling rota, days, evenings and some weekends and one will be dedicated to nightshift working only

Benefits: 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

New Horizons provides residential housing support to young people; aged 16-25 years referred by East Lothian Housing Department who are declared as homeless or threatened with homelessness.

The Service seeks to support young people to prepare for more independent living, working with residents on a range of issues e.g. budgeting, food preparation and safe storage, household chores and practical skills, managing neighbourhood relations and disputes, accessing specialist services and employability.

We're looking for a Housing Support Practitioner who can engage with young people, providing structured and focused housing support them to gain crucial life skills to enable them to live more independently or sustain their accommodation in the community. This support may be provided as a 1:1 or as small focused group work.

You'll join a committed and dedicated team who together help build a foundation for a brighter and more secure future for the young people we work with.

We offer a 4 week rolling rota which will enable you to plan ahead and promotes a great work life balance due to the flexibility in scheduling and a nightshift role for someone looking to solely work nights.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the role are;

  • Building working relationships with multi-agency partners from the statutory and voluntary sectors to deliver the best outcomes for young people, including ELC Housing Department, benefits agencies, specialist health services, employment and training providers.
  • Supporting young people to engage with local agencies and organisations which assists them to sustain their accommodation and place within the community e.g. accessing leisure activities, GP and health services.
  • Ensuring that the Service complies with all Action for Children and East Lothian Council Standards and Procedures and with regard to case file recording / paperwork, incident and accident reporting, safeguarding and health and safety. Practitioners will use Action for Children E-systems to identify needs, interventions and the Outcome Star to measure and record outcomes.

Let's talk about you

  • SVQ3 or equivalent or a desire to work towards this in the first year of employment, to enable registration to the SSSC as a worker in Housing Support.
  • Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures or a knowledge of these through personal experience or circumstances.
  • Ability to follow procedures and complete assessments, develop plans and review plans to ensure positive outcomes.
  • A knowledge of an outcome based approach to planning, delivering and reviewing services.
  • Producing concise and accurate reports to agreed standards, formats and timelines, which may be used ultimately for formal reviews.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Family Support Practitioner (11434)

  • Full time or Part time
  • £25,500
  • Aberdeen
  • Closing 19th February 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Aberdeen Priority Families Service is a partnership between Action for Children, Aberdeen City Council, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen Foyer. The service aims to improve the outcomes for families who have multiple and complex needs. Families are referred to the service as they need additional support to work on issues that can include problems within school, anti-social or offending behaviour, and child, or adult welfare concerns.

We're thrilled to announce that our organisation has successfully secured a recent tender, which has opened up new avenues for growth and service. With this tender, this enables us to broaden our operations, extending crucial support to families in need, particularly those seeking refuge.

The Family Support Practitioner will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that works for a period of up to 12 months with families to support and enable positive change and to improve outcomes.

An assessment of need will be undertaken to identify needs, strengths, and challenges that each family faces, the intensive interventions will involve advice, guidance, parenting support, 1:1 work with children and liaising with partner agencies.

You'll carry out assessments, intensive planned support and reviews and support families to overcome barriers. Working as part of a team, you'll attend meetings and work alongside partner agencies, advocating on behalf of children and families.

We are anticipating the roles will begin on 1st April 2024.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the role are;

  • Effectively assessing the needs of families and responding to them.
  • Working collaboratively with families to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Listening to children, young people and families concerns.
  • Working in an integrated way as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team.

Let's talk about you

  • An SVQ 3 in social care or equivalent.
  • Experience of working with vulnerable families and the issues and barriers they face.
  • Knowledge and awareness of methods of assessment and interventions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and through presentations.
  • Experience of developing multidisciplinary support plans.
  • Experience of working with children, young people, their families, and carers to promote and to ensure safeguarding and the welfare of the child / young person.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Benefits: 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Registered Manager (11385)

  • Full time
  • £42,000
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 26th January 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

At Gilmerton Road we provide a thriving short breaks and outreach support to children and young people aged 5-18 with intellectual disabilities and that may present behaviours that challenge. We are committed to providing high quality care and support in an ever changing environment, while also growing and developing our services and meeting the needs of the local authorities we work in partnership with.

As the Registered Manager, you'll be leading the team while working alongside the Residential Workers, Team Leader's and Business Support Officer's. You'll also be working closely with the Care Inspectorate, CAMHS, our Behaviour Support Consultant and the wider cluster of services we provide in Edinburgh and the Lothians and will have the support of the Children's Services Manager and other Registered Managers to do so.

Collaborating with professionals from different fields will ensure the holistic development of the children and young people we work with. This includes maintaining communication and coordination with local authorities, as well as other professionals who play a role in their care and support. Working together will help create a comprehensive support system that enables the children and young people to achieve their full potential.

As a leader in this role, you'll inspire and motivate your team to deliver meaningful support that changes children's lives. You'll be responsible for creating and maintaining the culture across the service that seeks to support staff to provide high quality care.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Registered Manager role are;

  • Significantly improve the lives of children and young people
  • .Provide support to the staff team to undertake their role.
  • Provide a safe environment where children can enjoy time with their friends.
  • Provide direct care and support to children in all aspects of their support needs.
  • Work towards giving children a positive experience of being away from home.
  • Help children in all aspects of their daily lives and supporting their health and happiness.

Let's talk about you

You'll need to be proactive and positive with a solution focused approach taking on this role.

Whilst a management qualification would be great, we are open to those with experience in a management role within a residential/social care setting.

Below outlines what will help make you a great candidate if you are considering applying;

  • Experience in Management of a large team working towards an outcome.
  • Previous experience of working with young people who have had adverse life experience and need support with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
  • Previous experience of supporting young people with complex health care and behavioural support needs would be an advantage.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Housing Support Practitioner (11309)

  • Full time or Part time
  • £25,500
  • Posts available in Haddington and Edinburgh
  • Closing 19th January 2024

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our housing support and care at home service currently supports one young person to continue to live in their own home in their community. We provide full-time care and support on a 2:1 basis for a young lady with learning disabilities who at times can present behaviours that challenge.

We do this by supporting her in her daily routines, assisting her with personal care and medication. The young lady we support has an absolute zest for life and likes to be as busy as possible. We always have a plan and are off out on adventures, walks, swimming, surfing and out and about to local parks and trying new things.

You'll be part of a dedicated team who work together to develop and deliver person-centred care plans. You'll have the exciting opportunity to join the young person on her journey to lead a more independent life by supporting her in achieving outcomes, making informed choices, and promoting participation in her community. We strongly believe that behaviour is communication and work to identify what the young people are trying to tell us through their behaviour and support them to communicate that in a positive way.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Working in this environment can be so rewarding when you see the difference you're truly making. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

Some key responsibilities of a Housing Support Practitioner are;

  • Helping young people in all aspects of their daily lives.
  • Maintaining effective working relationships and communication with colleagues, young people and families.
  • Being alert to child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Helping young people transition in to happy and healthy adults.
  • Being solution focused and building on strengths.
  • Achieving the highest standards of safeguarding, whether through direct care provision or support activities to the children and young people who come into contact with our services, or by appropriately reporting concerns about any child or young.

Let's talk about you

You don't need a lot of previous experience or qualifications for this role – we are looking for someone with a positive attitude, and the desire and commitment to giving the best care to children and young people.

A positive approach, providing a fun environment for the Young People in our care.

Ideally, a HNC and SVQ 3 in a social care discipline (or a qualification which would meet the registration requirements) or a commitment to working towards these.

Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities.

A commitment to working on rota pattern, which includes midweek, weekends and some bank holidays.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Worker (11160)

  • Full time
  • £24,000
  • Cumnock, East Ayrshire
  • Closing 17th December 2023

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

‘Meeting new people. Seeing new places. Doing new things.' That's what our short breaks services are all about! They are an opportunity for disabled children and young people to have fun, gain independence, learn and develop while families get to take a much needed break.

As one of our Residential Worker's, your role will involve providing encouragement and support to young people, aged 5 to 21, in order to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals. You'll be responsible for assessing their needs, setting goals, and regularly reviewing and evaluating their progress. By creating a fun, safe, and stimulating environment, you'll contribute to their overall development and well-being.

You'll plan and take part in activities based at the service as well as out in the community such as trips to the local shops, parks, cinema, soft play, youth club, beach, swimming and various others. You'll also provide support with day to day routines, life skills, attend to personal care and administer medication following the appropriate training.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential worker role are;

  • Developing meaningful, nurturing and professional relationships with a focus on the rights and responsibilities of children and young people.
  • Supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes for their future.
  • Supporting children and young people with medical needs.
  • Providing a safe environment for them to enjoy time with their friends
  • Giving families the break they need to continue supporting their amazing children.
  • Assisting the children and young people in all aspects of their care, supporting their health and wellbeing where you'll significantly improve their lives.
  • Ensuring young people have the opportunity to be independent and are able to communicate their needs.
  • Taking the lead role and having key-working responsibilities.

Let's talk about you

  • Ideally, an SVQ Level 3 Children and Young People & HNC in Social Care or equivalent which would meet the registration requirements. (We may consider applicants without required qualifications who are willing to work towards gaining the qualifications within set time scales).
  • Experience of working in a residential care setting and undertaking personal care as required.
  • The ability to record and update case notes, both written and electronically.
  • Safeguarding knowledge.
  • Ability to work well as part of a team and on own initiative.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Benefits:29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Worker (11198)

  • Full time
  • £24,500
  • Bilston, Midlothian
  • Closing 22nd December 2023

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Bilston Residential Service is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for a young girl with a learning disability and ASD. Our newly renovated house is designed to support her in having a fulfilling and active life, both within her home and in the wider community. We understand and appreciate her unique personality and strive to create a space where she can thrive and be supported with her individual needs.

Our young person loves the outdoors and especially enjoys local walks in the woods, regardless of the weather! In the house a range of activities will be planned to provide engagement, physical activity and to meet sensory needs. She loves regular visits from her mother and father that may include going for walks and eating out.

Our staff are expected to be creative and innovative in their approach to supporting our young people in making positive choices and achieving their personal goals. We value patience and resilience, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours, and strive to create a nurturing environment that promotes independence and fosters positive experiences and skill developments.

At Bilston, we believe allowing staff to choose between single or double shifts allows more flexibility and a better work/life balance. A suggested shift pattern of working 2 long days one week and 3 long days the next week provides a good work-life balance while on FT contracts. This, alongside the opportunity to support a wonderful YP with lots of potential makes Bilson a very desirable place to work.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the role are;

  • Help young people in all aspects of their daily lives.
  • Have good communication skills and the ability to engage well with both young people, colleagues and other professionals.
  • Be a creative thinker and having a solution focused approach.
  • Use your skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of young people.

Let's talk about you

  • A positive approach, providing a fun environment for all the children in our care.
  • Ideally, a HNC and SVQ 3 in a social care discipline (or a qualification which would meet the registration requirements) or a commitment to working towards these.
  • Experience of working with children and young people, or vulnerable adults
  • Safeguarding knowledge.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Benefits:29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Person's Practitioner (11039)

  • Part time
  • £23,500 pro-rata
  • Haddington, East Lothian
  • Closing 22nd November 2023

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our Young Person's Practitioner role is direct work with a young person focusing upon their behaviour, building on their strengths and qualities, strengthening family links and engaging positively with their community. This may require home visits and community based work within the communities of East Lothian.

Working with children and young people aged 12-21 considered to be on a very concerning path, the Service will engage with children and young people for whom there is significant professional concerns and elevated risk factors.

You'll deliver tailored support through varied interventions consisting of weekly 1-1 sessions and pro-social activities in various community settings to young people who have been referred to the service. Intervention support is flexible and includes evening and weekend support depending on the child's plan.

You'll act as a role model, be a consistent positive adult and focus on building relationships with young people and their families that will ultimately help divert behaviours, build structure and confidence to achieve positive outcomes based on an assessment of their needs. It is imperative the post holder works alongside the family to provide support, address vulnerabilities and strengthen family relationships.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

This is a truly rewarding and fulfilling role, providing the care and support our young people need to reach their full potential.

You'll play a key role as part of a wider team of professionals across multi-agencies and it will enable you to grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region and gain invaluable experience within a great charity.

Key responsibilities will be;

  • Providing direct community based 1-1 to children and young people referred to the service and wider working with the family.
  • Providing support to families that is rights based, strengths based and trauma informed.
  • Providing community based interventions to divert children and young people from the concerning trajectory their behaviour is placing them on.
  • Maintaining your own calendar, keeping up to do case notes and sharing significant information with the child's key team where necessary.
  • Adopt and apply the values within East Lothian Council Children's Services core services;.
  • Working together with East Lothian Children's Services on agreed children's plans and co-producing solutions.
  • Working directly with the family and ensure that the family has a voice throughout the period of involvement with the service;
  • Working in partnership with other teams/organisations who may be involved in the young person's care plan to deliver outcomes;
  • Adopt a learning approach to the work, specifically where outcomes are not achieved for a child/young person and their family, which we seek to understand why, gaining insights into what might have been done differently.

Let's talk about you

Do you have a sound understanding of issues affecting young people and families, maybe through experience working with care experiences young people and families or through your own lived experience? Do you have a passion for working with children and young people and want to help improve their outcomes?

Do you have a working knowledge of safeguarding practices and social care standards with an understanding of the Children's Hearing system and youth justice process?

We'e looking for a Young Persons Practitioner who will take initiative to come up with creative approaches and methods to engage with hard to reach, vulnerable young people and families.

You'd ideally have the below in order to help succeed in this role, however we are very open to relevant experience.

  • An SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent is desirable.
  • Proven assessment skills and experience of working towards outcome focused care / service plans.
  • Have the ability to communicate effectively and engagingly in order to maintain independent, professional relationships.
  • Utilize management systems and databases.
  • Driving licence and access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £26,000
  • Onsite, Waterfront Avenue, Edinburgh.
  • Closing 14th September 2023

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help.

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Action for Children's Intensive Intervention Service is a voluntary service that aims to support children and young people aged 11-18 years who may be at risk of or coerced into, involvement with serious offending and criminal activity.

The service forms partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, and Education as part of a multi-agency partnership strategy to intervene in a child or young person's life as early as possible to prevent the likelihood or impact of criminal exploitation.

The aim of the service is to provide intensive 1:1, group work and diversionary activities to help equip the child or young person with the necessary skills and tools to make positive choices and to re-engage and sustain education, training, or employment.

We seek a dedicated individual to provide targeted intervention to children and young people, fostering their potential and aiding them in overcoming personal barriers. The goal is to empower positive lifestyle choices by collaborating within various community settings. Working closely with families is paramount, as we strive to strengthen relationships and address vulnerabilities.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Young Person Practitioner role are;

  • Leading interventions, ensuring positive outcomes, in line with policies and regulations.
  • Supporting children and young people to re-engage in education and employment.
  • Managing a caseload within the Services.
  • Building strong relationships with individuals, organizations, and agencies and undertaking home visits where necessary.
  • Attending meetings as required, including presenting cases at monthly meetings.
  • Upholding safety policies and procedures for a positive work environment.

Let's talk about you.

  • SVQ /Diploma Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years and childcare, social care or related background.
  • Experience of working with young people in social work or experience in criminal justice.
  • Good report writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and IT skills.

Full Valid UK Driving License with access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

Benefits: 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, Blue Light card, excellent training and developments opportunities, professional qualifications, excellent training and development opportunities, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, up to 7% employer contribution pension, discount portal with your favourite brands.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Student Mentor (10100)

  • Full time
  • £23,650
  • North Lanarkshire (between Motherwell, Cumbernauld & Coatbridge Campuses)
  • Closing 27th June 2023

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

You will be joining the team on the STAY mentoring service. It provides intensive support to young people enrolled at college who are at the greatest risk of withdrawal. The focus is 16–26-year-olds at college who are struggling to cope with College life and structures or face barriers in reaching their potential.

You will be working directly with young people, on and off campus, to help them adapt to college life. You will support them through their time in further education. It will be incredibly rewarding to share and support their journeys.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Want to make a difference to young people's lives in North Lanarkshire? Here is your chance to join an innovative mentoring service that is helping students to stay in college.

This could be the ideal start to a career in social care if you have just recently gained a relevant qualification. Or, it could be a great next step if you already have some experience of working with young people who face barriers and challenges in their lives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing guidance to students in and outside of the college
  • Provide support to young people in key areas affecting their lives, examples include , accommodation , low self-esteem, confidence , motivation and family/community issues and advocacy support
  • Helping to develop student budgeting skills and financial capability.
  • Supporting vulnerable care experienced, young carers and estranged students to sustain their courses.
  • Delivering tailored information workshops to college staff and students.
  • Arranging a programme of cross campus events in support of student development and progression – and working with colleagues to enhance student employability.

Let's talk about you

  • It would be useful if you have an SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent – but we are very open to relevant experience, rather than a qualification.
  • Experience of supporting vulnerable young people on a one to one basis
  • You will have knowledge and understanding of the barriers that young people face
  • You will need a full driving licence and access to a car to use for business.

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator (10019)

  • Full time
  • £23,650
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 20th June 2023

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

The role

Through our Employability Services we provide a range of programmes, services and support structures enabling young people to progress positively into activity that further enhances their learning and employment opportunities.

This role will be working in our Youthbuild team who deliver this construction programme aimed at 16-24-year olds who have faced considerable disadvantage and who may face a range of issues/barriers affecting their ability to maintain and sustain employment. The Youthbuild programme provides participants with a comprehensive 4 week in-house training programme followed by a work placement and 6 months paid employment within the construction industry. Each young person is assigned a dedicated key worker to support them through the duration of the Youthbuild programme.

You will make a difference by:

  • Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.
  • Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.
  • Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.
  • Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

You will need:

  • An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
  • Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
  • Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.
  • A full driving licence and access to a car to use for business
  • Knowledge/Experience of the Construction industry would be beneficial

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator (10053)

  • Full time
  • £23,650
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 20th June 2023

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

The role

The service provides support to young people aged 14-24, who have a range of barriers or needs, to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both personal development and vocational sessions for employability programmes aimed at young people aged 14-24 to access, maintain and sustain employment through the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and work placement, supported through a key worker approach.

The role will be to deliver groupwork and one to one support on an outreach basis across Glasgow and South Lanarkshire, supporting young people in their own communities.

You will make a difference by:

  • Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.
  • Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.
  • Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, co-ordinated or individual support.
  • Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

You will need:

  • An SVQ or HNC 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
  • Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
  • Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.
  • Clean driving licence and access to a car including business insurance.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Transition Worker (8376)

  • Full time
  • £23,000
  • West Lothian
  • Closing 21st November 2022

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

The last few years have been tricky for all of us and as a result, the demand for our support and services has dramatically increased and we need your help!

West Lothian Housing Support Service is an outreach Housing Support provision based in Livingston. We support young people aged 16-26 years who are; homeless, at risk of homelessness or are undergoing a housing transition with which they'll need your support.

As a Transitions Worker, you'll support care experienced young people move onto their own tenancy/suitable accommodation and it'll be your role to assistant our young people to develop the skills to manage their own tenancy independently, and responsibly.

You'll offer support and advice to our young people overcome barriers that can include; housing, homelessness, confidence and self-esteem issues, poor social skills, lack of qualifications and employment opportunities.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

You'll work as part of a well supported and trained team who work extremely hard to achieve positive outcomes for our young people. You'll provide support and encouragement to and help keep the young people as the focus, making sure their voices are heard.

As a Transition Worker you'll also;

  • Engage and build trust with young people to carry out assessment of their needs.
  • Link up with agencies so our young people feel safe and secure in their own home.
  • Support young people to overcome their barriers to training, education or employment and support in preparation for a placement/job offer, open bank account, planning travel routes etc.
  • Collaborate with employers, colleges, volunteering opportunities and training providers.

Let's talk about you

We're looking for someone with great planning and organisational skills. Do you have the ability to communicate effectively and find it easy to build and engage with young people and professionals? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Some other requirements we have for the role are;

A Minimum qualification of SVQ 3 Social Care or equivalent.

To be registered with SSSC.

A knowledge of the issues and barriers facing looked after young people.

Experience in developing support plans.

Up to date knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.

A driving License and use of a car with business insurance.

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application.

Good to know

Application Process

There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool

We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Don't meet every single requirement?

Studies show that women and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Community Short Breaks Practitioner (8365)

  • Full time
  • Circa £22,000
  • Blantyre, South Lanarkshire
  • Closing 21st November 2022

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

The aim of our Silverton Hub, which has bases in Hamilton and Blantyre, is to support children with disabilities. We ensure the child feels involved in their community and enjoys their childhood experience and builds their confidence whilst developing the family's resilience to deal with the day-to-day challenges of their care giving duties.

You'll provide support to a range of young people from the ages of 5 to 23. The support is personalized to each child's specific needs, likes, character and their personality. This is directed through an extensive and well researched care plan which is strongly led by the child's voice.

More specifically your role will involve going out and about in the community with young people introducing them to mainstream activities and supporting them to enjoy new experiences and to follow their own interests. This could include trips to parks, swimming, bowling, and the cinema. It may involve shopping trips, outings on buses and trains, visits to cafes, clubs, and museums.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

You'll work as part of a well supported and trained team who work extremely hard to achieve positive outcomes for our young people. Some of the children's behaviour will present, at times, as challenging so you'll need to be understanding, compassionate, patient, and tolerant whilst also being a strong consistent adult role model.

As a Community Short Breaks Practitioner you'll be;

  • Managing cases, completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Working within a multi-agency social care multi-agencies, early years or health environments.
  • Helping young people with a learning disability have a presence in the community.
  • Supporting young people by providing emotional support and keep the child and or young people as the focus and ensure their feelings and wishes are represented in meeting

Let's talk about you

Would you be confident delivering specialist interventions within young people and their families on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting? Could you easily establish and develop relationships with those young people and their families? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Some other requirements we have for the role are;

  • Experience working within a care environment - preferably working with children and young people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers.
  • A HNC/ SVQ Social Care preferred – but candidates without this may have an opportunity to work towards a qualification.
  • To register with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) within 6 months of starting in post.
  • A driving licence would be desirable. We have the option of paying mileage if you use your own vehicle or we also have service vehicles that can be utilised for transporting our Children and Young people to community venues.
Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Worker (8338)

  • Full time
  • £19,300
  • Paisley, Renfrewshire
  • Closing 8th November 2022

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Action for Children's Youth Justice services, offers flexible and responsive support, focusing on the whole systems approach. The aim is to reduce or divert young people from the Youth Criminal justice system through a combination of 1:1 and group-based programmes .

You'll help with the delivery of Community Payback Orders & Unpaid Work across Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Greater Glasgow.

You'll work as part of a well supported and trained team who work hard to achieve positive outcomes for our young people. Giving back to local communities by delivering set programmes by -

  • supporting participants to complete their orders
  • take a holistic supportive approach and;
  • encourage involvement within further training and certification opportunities.
  • The contract initially runs through autumn and winter into spring 2023 – with the potential of extension. It will enable you to grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region and gain invaluable experience within a great Charity.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Key responsibilities will be –

  • Delivering a high-quality service to children, young people and their families by assessing needs.Delivering interventions to children, young people or families on a 1:1 basis or in a group setting, with appropriate direction.Building effective working relationships with colleagues and the people we work with.Demonstrate knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.On a daily basis, being responsible for organising work objectives including both pre and forward planning.Keeping accurate records by using various IT systems to capture case details, outputs and produce written reports and present these.

Let's talk about you

You will be passionate, committed, and resilient. And yes, this role can at sometimes be emotionally and physically challenging but it's also fun, diverse and you will feel huge sense of reward by being able to help! If this all sounds ideal, then, you are exactly who we are looking for.

  • Experience of working in a health, early years, or a social care setting would be great.
  • Ideally an SVQ level 2 Health & Social care qualification - but we are very open to relevant experience, rather than a qualification.
  • The ability to engage and work with children, young people, and their families, demonstrating a range of communication skills.
  • Experience of preparing, organising, reviewing and delivering individual and or group work.
  • Able to demonstrate commitment to personal development and undertaking relevant training
  • Ability to effectively utilise Microsoft Outlook and other IT packages.

A UK driving licence and access to a car to travel between service areas.

Good to know

Application Process

There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Talent Pool

We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Don't meet every single requirement?

Studies show that women and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Person's Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £23,500
  • Edinburgh, Lothian
  • Closing 17th October 2022

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

EH1 Edinburgh Service- commissioned by City of Edinburgh Council youth justice social work team, seek to support young people aged 12-17 years old who are at risk of being accommodated by the local authority or at risk of further escalation into the care system due to the level of risk posed to them through offending, absconding, anti-social behaviour, substance use or other significant risk taking behaviours.

You will deliver tailored support through varied interventions consisting of weekly 1-1 sessions and pro-social activities in various community settings to young people who have been referred to EH1 Edinburgh Service by their lead professional social worker.

You will act as a role model, be a consistent positive adult and focus on building relationships with young people and their families that will ultimately help divert behaviours, build structure and confidence to achieve positive outcomes based on an assessment of their needs.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

This is a truly rewarding and fulfilling role, providing the care and support our young people need to reach their full potential.

You will play a key role as part of a wider team of professionals across multi-agencies and it will enable you to grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region and gain invaluable experience within a great charity.

Key responsibilities will be;

  • To establish and develop effective relationships and channels of communication with children, young people, families, colleagues, community organisations, partner agencies and other external agencies- both face to face and virtually.
  • Taking responsibility for day to day resource planning to ensure high quality services are delivered in supporting young people to attend 1-1 sessions, activities, appointments, education, employability services and other identified supports/services suited to meeting their needs.
  • Review and evaluate service provision the child, young person and family is receiving with Service Co-ordinator ensuring continued improvements are made and is needs led and outcome driven.

Let's talk about you

Do you have a sound understanding of issues affecting young people and families, maybe through experience working with care experiences young people and families or through your own lived experience?

Do you have a working knowledge of safeguarding practices and social care standards with an understanding of the Children's Hearing system and youth justice process?

We are looking for a Young Persons Practitioner who will take initiative to come up with creative approaches and methods to engage with hard to reach, vulnerable young people and families.

You would ideally have the below in order to help succeed in this role;

  • An SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent is desirable, however we are very open to relevant experience, rather than a qualification.
  • Proven assessment skills and experience of working towards outcome focused care / service plans.
  • Have the ability to communicate effectively and engagingly in order to maintain independent, professional relationships.
  • Utilise management systems and databases.
  • Logistically, it is essential you hold a driving licence with access to a vehicle as the role involves travel across the city.

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Top job! Operational Director of Childrens Services

  • Full time
  • Circa £66,100
  • Scotland
  • Closing 30th September 2022

About us

Action for Children is one of the UK's largest and leading children's charities, employing over 4,000 staff across the UK, in a variety of roles. Through this workforce, we have helped 670,000 children and families to have a safe and happy childhood.

About the role:

Are you a strong communicator and creative thinker with a flair for innovation who is focused and passionate about changing the lives of children and their families? We have a unique opportunity for an Operational Director of Children's Services to support the management and delivery in and across various locations in Scotland. This is an exciting and rewarding role with the opportunity to make a huge personal impact.

As a member of the senior management team the successful applicant will provide local strategic and operational direction. Through the effective operational delivery, retention, and development of a range of service clusters you will ensure that all quality, safety, budgetary and performance standards are met and improved. You will be responsible for ensuring that services meet commissioners' expectations and contractual requirements and to keep children at the centre of everything that we do.

How you will help our Young People:

  • By being responsible for providing leadership and overall management of a range of services in a designated area and or function.
  • By providing clear accountability to ensure quality, safety, reputation, financial health, and performance management of services.
  • By being a direct line and overall management responsibility for a range of senior professional and support staff located across a defined area/function.
  • To deliver on key performance indicators and utilise performance analysis
  • By being responsible for the effective performance of contract management arrangements and ensuring effective governance.
  • By ensuring sustainability and business growth targets within a designated area are delivered.

What are we looking for from you:

  • Relevant professional qualification in Education, Health, or Social care.
  • Where the post holder is the Responsible Person/Nominated Individual/Regulated Person then they must possess the professional qualification of DIPSW (or equivalent) and 3 years post qualification
  • Management qualification or working towards S/NVQ level 5 in management or DMS leading to MBA.
  • Evidence of substantial experience of working with children, young people and or families gained at a senior managerial
  • Proven success of leading and managing a multi-disciplined workforce to achieve challenging outcomes for children, young people, and families. Proven experience of delivering to achieve financial margins and income targets.
  • Nurturing and building relationships, partnerships with commissioners, peer group/sector management, to support service and business growth.

Diversity

At Action for Children, we recognise the benefit of a diverse workforce to the workplace. To this effect, we welcome and encourage Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic applicants to consider this job opportunity.

Contact

Please contact David Simpson on 01923 361732 to obtain further information. We do welcome and appreciate your interest.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Top job! Bid Manager

  • Full time
  • £50,600
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 30th September 2022

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood.

We're committed to ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to thrive. We protect and support vulnerable children, young people, and their families by giving them the practical and emotional care and support they need.

Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the role

As Bid Manager you will provide overall professional management and direct production of bids/proposals for strategic, high value, complex bids as well as for smaller bids, applying a detailed understanding of the needs of Children's Services and their commissioners, into customer centric differentiated win strategies, to achieve annually set income targets,

In the role of Bid Manager, you'll be:

  • Delivering against annual income and win rate targets
  • Take responsibility for the end-to-end bid production process including writing
  • Planning, leading, and delivering bids/proposals, clarifications, interviews, and presentations
  • You will manage all aspects of proposals and tenders, leading the development and delivery of bids, working to tight deadlines
  • Working in a very busy team you will be managing multiple bids of different sizes, working with service teams all over Scotland from Highlands to Glasgow.
  • Developing content, writing and conducting research for bids, with technical input and review to ensure high quality tender submissions that are consistent
  • Identifying and building partnerships with other providers and/or community partners to deliver differentiated win solutions through proactive account management with key customers
  • Identifying and managing bid opportunities through the bid pipeline ensuring data on all tenders are complete and up to date, using Salesforce and other relevant systems
  • Proactively prospect with commissioners, partners, and other stakeholders to win and grow business, including progressing initiatives by facilitating and leading kick-off meetings, strategy development sessions and other key meetings

The job description for the role outlines the requirements but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • Experience of successful bid management and bid production - from identification through to submission and track record in retaining and winning business through successful tendering
  • You will be a skilled writer, communicating ideas effectively on paper with an ability to analyse large volumes of information to develop clear and compelling responses to tenders.
  • Demonstrable communication skills – both written and verbal, to articulate and translate complex strategies, ideas, and models into compelling, well-evidenced written propositions
  • The ability to develop and maintain effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and alliances both internal and external to support business opportunities
  • Experience of producing business cases and recommendations to inform decision-making
  • Experience of working within a challenging, competitive external environment
  • Experience of public sector commissioning and problem-solving, particularly from a third sector and/or social care perspective
  • Experience of Children's Services, Social Care and working within the VCS is desirable

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Service Coordinator

  • Part time
  • Circa £29,700 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh City and The Borders
  • Closing 21st September 2022

Our Black and Minority Ethnic Youth Service Heritage Youth service recognises the importance of lived experience and we openly invite applicants with experiences around cultural diversity and racism to apply as this will be highly valued in who we appoint to this role. Your lived experience will be invaluable in helping us to remain strongly connected with the purpose of our project and we believe your first-hand insight and knowledge will have a crucial impact in becoming a bridge between our children, young people and families and the service.

The contract is funded by Young Start, a grants programme run by The National Lottery Community Fund and also by the Gannochy Trust and runs initially until September 2024, with the potential for renewal. You can grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region.

As a Service Coordinator you will contribute to the direct service delivery with colleagues and young people from diverse backgrounds. The role involves working in Edinburgh to lead on our Heritage and Inclusion project, as well as the Scottish Borders (Galashiels and Earlston) to deliver a new initiative to support children, young people and families from Black Asian Ethnic Minority backgrounds with their emotional wellbeing.

About Us

Working at Action for Children is so much more than a job. It's an opportunity to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families. We believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 671,275 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Action for Children's emotional wellbeing and inclusion project in conjunction with Young Start Community Fund & The Gannochy Trust and Scottish Borders Council creates an opportunity to engage with children, young people and families from multi-cultural backgrounds living in Edinburgh and The Borders, promoting social inclusion, celebrating different cultures and history through engagement with sports, arts and music.

The project offers a trusting support network that will be a safe place to discuss challenges where staff can enable young people to develop new skills and community connections. As a Service Coordinator you will supervise staff and be crucial in implementing and developing our services across The Borders, as well as working alongside our practitioners, engaging with children, young people and families, individually and in groups developing agreed service plans working towards agreed outcomes.

You will manage and lead a team and work together to provide a wide range of services to children, young people and families, which enable positive outcomes to be achieved and enhance their mental/ emotional health and strengthen their wellbeing by:

  • Working closely with senior staff and managers to review and evaluate service provision, ensuring continued improvements are made, driving innovation and business development, in particular for an assigned area of work.
  • Participating, chairing, facilitating and leading of relevant multiagency meetings e.g. service planning meetings, home visits and conference meetings, where appropriate.
  • Coordinating a delegated budget to ensure efficient usage and reporting, in accordance with agreed procedures.
  • Providing direct and overall line management of staff, applying appropriate policies and procedures, also sharing knowledge and experience through coaching and mentoring techniques.
  • Nurturing, developing and promoting effective relationships and channels of communication with colleagues, community organisations, partner agencies and other external agencies.

About you:

  • HNC Social Care or SVQ children and young people or other relevant qualification and or significant experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Advanced experience of chairing, supporting and contributing to service planning meetings.
  • Experience of the development and practice of community working, including influencing involvement.
  • Delivery of service user needs assessment, ensuring accurate and update retention of information.
  • We believe a diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Top job! Children's Services Manager

  • Full time
  • £46,000
  • Elgin, Morayshire
  • Closing 21st September 2022

Working at Action for Children is so much more than a job. It's an opportunity to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families. We believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 671,275 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the role:

We are looking for a creative, dynamic, enthusiastic Children's Services Manager who can oversee our cluster of support services based in Eglin and Buckie.

The service cluster comprises of 2 Residential Children's homes, a large family support service, a tier 2 mental health and wellbeing service and support for young people in relation to employability.

You will have responsibility for overseeing this diverse mix of services, supporting a child centred and outcome focused approach to service delivery. You will manage processes around staff relations, contract management, budgets and finance and ensure we keep the promise to all children and young people who access our services.

You will be passionate, committed, and resilient and yes, this role can at sometimes be emotionally and physically challenging but it's also fun, diverse and you will feel huge sense of reward by being able to help, in the best way possible by providing a safe, creative environment for children and families to thrive. Did we also mention you need a sense of humour and a good measure of adventure thrown in… no two days are the same and if this all sounds ideal, then, we would love to hear from you.

You will make a difference by:

  • Promoting the highest standards of safeguarding practice through leading and managing processes and actions around safeguarding, fearlessly speaking out for children, families and young people.
  • Providing effective leadership and strategic development of our services across Moray, extending our impact.
  • Developing and maintaining effective networks, relationships, partnerships and contacts to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
  • Recruiting, leading, motivating and managing a range of social care and support staff to deliver high quality health and social care services.

You will need:

  • A relevant qualification, plus a leadership / management qualification (or equivalent experience).
  • Evidence of ongoing training and development.
  • Experience of the successful management and delivery of commissioned services, including significant working with health and social care commissioners and other multi-agency partners.
  • Significant experience of managing and developing operational services for children, young people and their families.
  • Significant experience of leading, motivating and managing teams of social care and support staff to deliver high quality health and social care services.
  • Significant experience of ensuring effective safeguarding practice and processes are embedded as a core aspect of the service.
  • We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Counsellor

  • Part time
  • £25,500 pro-rata
  • Greenock, Inverclyde
  • Closing 19th September 2022

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the role:

Our Inverclyde School Age Counselling Service is looking for a Counsellor to provide a high-quality, school based professional counselling service. Through effective intervention, management of cases and assessment of needs you will ensure safe care and agreed positive outcomes with Primary and Secondary school aged children.

You will work as part of a wider team to deliver the provision of a schools based counselling service. You will promote and improve the mental health, emotional resilience and wellbeing of children and young people in Primary and Secondary school who are negatively affected or are at risk of being affected by poor mental health. You will be able to effectively engage with young people to deliver counselling support, predominantly within a school setting but there may also be a requirement in a local community or home setting.

You'll do this by:

  • Providing a high-quality service to young people, that is outcomes-driven and based on an assessment of need.
  • Delivering complex and specialist interventions with young people on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.
  • Implement lead case/care planning management, including undertaking assessing, reviewing and managing risks.
  • Attending and participating at relevant multi agency meetings, providing a lead role ensuring reflective and analytical practice review.

What we need from you:

  • A recognised counselling qualification (e.g. diploma counselling, COSCA counselling modules), with relevant experience and be registered/ accredited with COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) or BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or equivalent.
  • Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, schools, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Experience of managing cases, in accordance with agreed procedures and completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Capacity to train in relevant – Evidence Based Programmes including the Blues programme or Decider.
  • Driving License and access to a suitable means of transport in order to carry out the duties of the role effectively is desired.

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • Circa £26,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 7th August 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

The role

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24, who have a range of barriers or needs to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes aimed at young people aged 16-24 to access, maintain and sustain employment through the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and work placement, supported through a key worker approach for up to 6 months from securing employment.

You will make a difference by:

- Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.

- Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.

- Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.

- Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

You will need:

- An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.

- Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.

- Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.

- A full driving licence and access to a car to use for business

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Team Leader Residential

  • Full time
  • £24,800
  • Edinburgh, Lothian
  • Closing 2nd August 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the role:

Our Gilmerton Road Short Breaks provides care and support for children, young people and their families from the Lothians age 5-18 with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge. Working in residential care is both challenging and rewarding. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

In your role as Team Leader you will; lead, inspire and motivate the team to deliver meaningful support that changes children's lives. The Residential Team leader is a dual role that is split between offering direct support to the young people while undertaking administrative and organisational tasks. You will have responsibility for rota management, lead on shifts, support staff in their personal development and assist the Registered Manager with the day to day running of the service. Through the direct support you will be part of an exceptional team who work together to develop and deliver person-centred care and support plans.

Working with the Registered Manager and other Team Leaders you will be responsible for creating and maintaining the culture across the service that seeks to support staff to provide high quality care in our short breaks service.

You will make a difference by:

Providing direct line management to a team of residential staff to deliver high standards of care.

Support staff team development through training opportunities, staff supervision, and multidisciplinary working.

Leading shifts and working with the Registered Manager to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational policy and procedure.

Work to achieve positive outcomes for individual children and young people and contributing to the achievement of an outstanding, good or equivalent rating in external inspection including deputising in the absence of the Registered Manager.

You will need:

To be SSSC registered, HNC Social care & SVQ Children and young people (or equivalent) and SVQ4 in leadership and management or (willing to work towards).

Previous experience of supervising staff and coaching and supporting staff to reach a competent standard.

Significant experience of working with children and young people with Learning Disabilities.

To be able to effectively and safely deal with children and young people with challenging behaviour.

Good knowledge of Safeguarding, and keeping young people safe.

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Interviews: Interviews are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 8th August - this date can change in special circumstances, but we do our best to stick to this.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

If you want to get to know us a little better, check out our socials onTwitter,LinkedIn,Facebookor YouTube.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Worker

  • Part time
  • Circa £20,000 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh, Lothians
  • Closing 28th July 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the role:

Are you passionate about inclusion and equality? Action for Children emotional wellbeing and inclusion project in conjunction with Young Start Community Fund & The Gannochy Trust creates an opportunity to engage with multi- cultural young people from diverse communities in Edinburgh, promoting social inclusion, learning of different cultures support with education or alternative career options and engagement with sports, arts and music. The project offers a trusting support network that will be a safe place to discuss challenges where staff can enable young people to develop new skills and community connections. As a young persons worker you will be involved in engaging with young people individually and in groups working towards agreed service plans and outcomes.

Funded by Young Start, a grants programme run by The National Lottery Community Fund and also by the Gannochy Trust

You will make a difference by:

  • Delivering emotional wellbeing and inclusion programmes on a 1:1 basis or in a group setting, with appropriate direction and support.
  • Building self-esteem and confidence for young people.
  • Promoting positive identity aspects.
  • Supporting with 1-1 support sessions working with vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds.

You will need:

  • S/NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience of working with young people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
  • Experience of working with young people from diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds and or individual experience in your own life.
  • Prior experience of working as part of a team or as an individual to deliver a frontline service.
  • Knowledge of preparing clear and concise file notes and inputting information into office systems.
  • Experience of preparing, organising, reviewing and delivering individual and or group work.

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Person's Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £23,000
  • Edinburgh EH1, Lothian
  • Closing 20th June 2022

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

The Role

EH1 Service- commissioned by City of Edinburgh Council youth justice social work team, seek to support young people aged 12-17 years old who are at risk of being accommodated by the local authority or at risk of further escalation into the care system due to the level of risk posed to them through offending, absconding, anti-social behaviour, substance use or other significant risk taking behaviours. Support consists of weekly 1-1 support to build a relationship, role model, be a consistent positive adult and support young people to engage in pro-social activities as a means of diverting behaviours, building structure, building confidence and supporting them to achieve positive outcomes based on an assessment of their needs.

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work please visit our website.

You will make a difference by:

  • Managing a caseload of young people, planning weekly contacts / 1-1 direct work in the community and attending professional meetings as required.
  • Working to support young people to engage with pro-social activities, support / specialist services which enables them to reach their full potential and which enables them to sustain their home or other care placement.
  • Building strong working relationships with multi-agency partners from the statutory and voluntary sectors to deliver the best outcomes for young people and their families.
  • Ensuring that the Service complies with all Action for Children and Edinburgh City Standards and Procedures and with regard to case file recording / paperwork, incident and accident reporting, safeguarding and health and safety Practitioners will use Action for Children E-Systems to identify needs, interventions and outcomes and with use Edinburgh SWIFT to record case notes etc.
  • Attending regular team meetings and participating in training and learning.

You will need:

  • SVQ 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent.
  • Relevant and recent practitioner experience working with care experienced young people and families and with a working knowledge of safeguarding practice and social care standards. Understanding of the Children's Hearing System and youth justice process.
  • Sound understanding of issues affecting young people and families.
  • Experience of working with creative approaches and methods to engage with hard to reach young people and families.
  • Proven assessment skills and experience of working towards outcome focused care / service plans.
  • Excellent communication skills - verbal and written and IT.
  • Willingness to work flexibly with young people and families; which will include some evening and weekend working.
  • Car driver with access to a vehicle and business insurance

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 31st May 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Our Employability services (G40 2UA) service is targeted at young people 16-24 yrs who have experienced a variety of barriers and we enable them to reach a positive and sustained employment destination. By using a range of engaging programmes and tools, you will work with a team to support and prepare young people with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

This role will be working in our Youthbuild team which is a construction programme aimed at 16-24-year olds who may face a range of issues/barriers affecting their ability to maintain and sustain employment. Youthbuild provides participants with a comprehensive 4 week in-house training programme followed by a work placement and 6 months paid employment within the construction industry. Each young person is assigned a dedicated key worker to support them through the duration of the Youthbuild programme.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes which meets the needs of our young people for them to access, maintain and sustain employment. You will act as a key worker for a caseload of young people to provide the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and a 1:1 support as part of the aftercare service. The successful applicant will also support the service expansion by utilising face to face and online delivery to engage young people from all over Scotland. This reflects our organisational expertise as a leading young person's charity, aiming to address inequalities and improve the lives of Scotland's young people.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and inspiring individuals who are committed to developing the young workforce and ensuring a bright future for our young people.

As a Employment Facilitator, you'll be:

Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.

Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.

Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.

Leading the development and delivery of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Employment Facilitator outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent and / or experience of delivering Construction or Health and Safety qualifications.

Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.

Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.

A full driving licence and access to a suitable means of transport to enable the duties of the role to be effectively carried out.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Practitioner

  • Part time
  • Circa £22,000 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh City
  • Closing 21st April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Funded by Young Start, a grants programme run by The National Lottery Community Fund and also by the Gannochy Trust

Are you passionate about inclusion and equality? Action for Children emotional wellbeing and inclusion project in conjunction with Young Start Community Fund & The Gannochy Trust creates an opportunity to engage with multi- cultural young people from diverse communities in Edinburgh, promoting social inclusion, learning of different cultures and historical events and engagement with sports, arts and music. The project offers a trusting support network that will be a safe place to discuss challenges where staff can enable young people to develop new skills and community connections. As a young persons practitioner you will be involved in engaging with young people individually and in groups developing agreed service plans working towards agreed outcomes. You will have lived in experiences of diverse communities and will have exemplary multi-cultural diversity awareness.

Our job description outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • HNC Social Care or SVQ children and young people or other relevant qualification and or significant experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience of working with young people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds building relationships and offering support.
  • The ability to work within a multi-agency social care, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Experience of working with individuals who have experienced racial discrimination and or personal lived experience will be welcomed.
  • Reporting both verbally and in writing on the delivery of services to wide client group.
  • Proven ability to use Microsoft packages.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Practitioner

  • Full time
  • £22,950
  • Inverness, Inverness shire
  • Closing 28th April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Based in our Inverness office, our Gael Og Probation service works in partnership with the Criminal Justice Social Work. Referred clients are subject to a range of statutory and non-statutory supervision, including, but not limited to: Community Payback Orders (either as part of a Supervision and/or a Programme requirement), diversion from prosecution and structured deferred sentence.

As a Young Person's Practitioner, you will deliver a range of structured and tailored programmes to male and female clients aged 16+. The programmes complement the work of the Criminal Justice Social Work Service, and the support clients receive in their local community. They are predominantly delivered on an individual one-to-one basis, however on occasion they can also be delivered in group settings.

The targeted work aims to reduce offending and enable clients to develop competence in problem solving, social skills, and their ability to take action to prevent relapse and promote a pro-social lifestyle

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application. This role will be a mixture of working from our office (IV1) and in the community and also working from home in the current covid climate, but this may change as restrictions ease in the future.

You will help our Young People by:

Delivering and evaluating group and individual work aimed at supporting the offender to develop their abilities through assessment, interventions, discussion, information and practical work on relationships.

Assessing the offenders needs and to promote their health and wellbeing by providing appropriate activities and experiences, using accredited models.

Preparing written reports on the offender for inter‑agency meetings, case conferences, and to contribute to reports as requested by the Case Manager.

Our job description for the Young Person Practitioner outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

An open-minded, non-judgemental personality as you will be working with people that are at a vulnerable point in their lives.

SVQ 3 or HNC in Social Care or willingness to work towards.

A UK driving licence and a willingness to travel due to the large rural catchment area.

A Flexible approach to working to support the delivery of the service.

Excellent IT skills including outlook word and excel.

The ability to build relationships and work as part of a multi- disciplinary team.

Experience in facilitating group work sessions desirable.

Driving License and use of a suitable vehicle to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to understand and have a commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Practitioner

  • Part time
  • £22,950 pro-rata
  • Inverness, Inverness shire
  • Closing 27th April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Based in our Inverness office, our Moving On service, aims are to provide 1 to 1 support for young male individuals between the ages of 16-21, who are currently in custody or at risk of going into custody at HMYOI Polmont.

We work with young men to build their self-caring skills from day one, working on making long lasting resilience and self-confidence. The aim of our service is to reduce or stop the risk of repeat offending or offending at all, by supporting the client with their physical, mental & psychological wellbeing. We assess their abilities alongside their health and wellbeing, to allow the help to be provided.

We support all clients receiving safe accommodation, access to working benefits and access to work opportunities, which is where you come in.

The successful candidate will provide holistic and flexible care support to young male offenders. You will be working in the direct aim of reducing the risk of clients offending/re-offending, working in partnership with partner agencies & professionals, to help our Young People gain access to intervention services. 80% of the young men who access our service, don't return to prison.

We understand that there are a lot of jobs out there just now but if this role connects with you, and you really want to make a difference to the lives of young people, then we'd love to see your application. This role will be a mixture of working from our office (IV1) and working from home in the current covid climate, but this may change as restrictions ease in the future. The pattern of days for 22.2 hours (3 days) can be discussed at interview stage.

You will help our Young People by:

  • Tenacity to work towards the positive outcomes for the young men we support.
  • Awareness and capability to improve mental, psychological & physical wellbeing of the young men using the Moving On Service.
  • Form and maintain positive relationships.
  • Help Young People access training, employment, or education.
  • Helping Young People to keep accommodation and help the community.

Our job description for the Young Person Practitioner outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • An open-minded, non-judgemental personality as you will be working with people that are at a vulnerable point in their lives.
  • SVQ & SVQ3 in social care will put you at an advantage, but if you don't have this, you will have a
  • A driving licence & access to a vehicle with appropriate insurance.
  • Experience of working in the Criminal Justice System or Social Work.
  • Being a real team player, working towards common outcomes.
  • Experience of partnership working.
  • Experience of working with youth focused environment.
  • Flexibility to work across the week, including ad-hoc overnight stays.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to understand and have a commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 25th April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Our Employability Strategic service is targeted at young people 16-29yrs who have experienced a variety of barriers and we enable them to reach a positive and sustained employment destination. By using a range of engaging programmes and tools, you will work with a team to support and prepare young people with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes which meets the needs of our young people for them to access, maintain and sustain employment. You will act as a key worker for a caseload of young people to provide the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and a 1:1 support as part of the aftercare service. The successful applicant will also support the service expansion by utilising face to face and online delivery to engage young people from all over Scotland. This reflects our organisational expertise as a leading young person's charity, aiming to address inequalities and improve the lives of Scotland's young people.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and inspiring individuals who are committed to developing the young workforce and ensuring a bright future for our young people.

As a Employment Facilitator, you'll be:

  • Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.
  • Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.
  • Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.
  • Leading the development and delivery of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.
  • Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Employment Facilitator outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
  • Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
  • Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.
  • A full driving licence and access to a suitable means of transport to enable the duties of the role to be effectively carried out.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Youth Justice Coordinator

  • Full time
  • £35,700 – £37,500
  • Paisley, Renfrewshire
  • Closing 21st April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Due to an opening in our service, we are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic Youth Justice Coordinator who will support the day to day running of the Youth Justice Services in Central Scotland.

Action for Children Scotland Youth Justice lead provides operational expertise and direct management of Youth Justice services across Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. The successful candidate will support and manage team of staff across a range of Youth Justice services, supporting Children and Young people 8yrs – 26yrs. You will grow and nurture new business development of Youth Justice services, providing the benchmark for positive outcome and to deliver on business development growth objectives.

This will require a flexible and responsive approach and will involve occasional working out with usual office hours when required. We also provide a telephone on call service which you will be part of which would be approx. 2 weeks in 16.

As a Youth Justice Co-ordinator, you'll be:

  • Leading on the reporting and recording of information and reports, and lead on the implementation of services, ensuring that they are compatible with service objectives.
  • Responsible for Budgetary responsibilities.
  • Involved with partnerships, steering groups, and strategic groups to help shape service delivery.
  • Leading the delivery of high-quality service, based on the agreed model, and required outcomes.
  • Providing direct line management of staff and supervision of Team Managers, while applying appropriate policies and procedures, alongside showing a commitment to staff continued learning and development.
  • Working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Working in an integrated way as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team.

Our job description for the Youth Justice Co-ordinator outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • Experience of line managing staff is essential.
  • SVQ4 or equivalent experience through significant delivery in youth/criminal justice settings.
  • Post qualification experience of working with Youth Justice Justice system achieving positive outcomes through direct contribution with support activities and intervention.
  • Outreach working experience.
  • Experience of working with vulnerable families and a broad understanding of their barriers.
  • Knowledge and experience of implementing methods of assessment and interventions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and through presentations and reporting.
  • In depth experience and use of Microsoft office package.
  • Experience of working with and supporting Staff to work with complex child protection issues.
  • Driving licence and access to a car is desirable.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Senior Trusts Officer

  • Full time
  • Circa £33,000
  • Home based (flexible) - Anywhere in the UK with occasional travel to Holburn*
  • Closing 19th April 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children. Spare us five minutes, and we'll tell you what you need to know…

What you'll be doing:

It's an exciting time to join the Philanthropy & Trusts team at Action for Children, and we are looking for collaborative, energised and forward-thinking individuals to join our ambitious team of fundraising professionals.

Action for Children aims to deliver substantial growth from our high value audiences over the next five years, with the Philanthropy and Trusts Team playing a vital role in achieving that ambition.

The two Senior Trusts Officers will be responsible for managing their own pipelines, with one overseeing Scotland Trust Fundraising, and the other focussing on UK-wide approaches. Both roles will work to secure multi-year donations from trusts, foundations, and statutory funders, to deliver a wide range of organisational priority projects and services.

You'll do this by:

  • Working collaboratively to deliver an annual 7-figure team target,with a focus on securing four to six figure donations from charitable trusts and foundations for services to be delivered.
  • Line managing staff utilising Action for Children policies and procedures to drive performance, including setting and monitoring individual and team objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), taking ultimate responsibility for the delivery of income targets.
  • Initiating and developing multi-year partnerships between trusts and foundations and Action for Children to deliver challenging income targets.
  • Developing and implementing individual solicitation and stewardship plans for a portfolio of existing trusts and new prospects, to include charitable foundations, across the UK and internationally.
  • Developing and implementing a communication and stewardship programme.
  • Collaborating with fundraising colleagues to track and report on prospect management activities, maximising opportunities to enrich and develop supporter journeys.
  • Taking responsibility for ensuring that all fundraising partnerships with charitable trusts achieve their maximum potential, and that the charity delivers on its commitment to funders.

What we need from you:

  • Experience of trust fundraising with a strong track record of initiating new relationships and securing five and six figure gifts.
  • Excellent experience of man-management and getting the ‘best out of your team'.
  • Experience of managing relationships with Trusts and Foundations.
  • Substantial experience of devising and implementing successful fundraising programmes to deliver income growth.
  • The ability to manage a complex pool of prospects and donors, devising clear donor solicitation plans with the aim of securing long term financial philanthropic support.
  • Experience of creative proposal and report writing, with the ability to demonstrate clear outcomes and impact.
  • Experience of preparing budgets for potential funders and for grant reports, with working knowledge of charitable financial accounts.
  • A professional solutions-focused approach to making effective decisions, applying critical thinking to weigh up risks and challenges.
  • To have a flexible and calming approach to work and willingness to be accommodating over working hours when required.

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone. We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

*Location:Home based - flexible - the Senior Trust Officers can be almost fully home-based anywhere in the UK. The successful candidate will need to commit to coming into the Holborn office two days per month, as this is where the Philanthropy & Trusts team are based.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 31st March 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

The STAY mentoring service provides intensive support to young people enrolled at college who are at the greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances and challenges who may face external situations that may impact on progression.

Our objectives are to assist young people with a successful transition into college, to adapt to college life at enrolment stage and support them throughout their time at college, both within the college environment and within their local community.

STAY project is focused on working alongside Glasgow Colleges (Glasgow Kelvin, Glasgow City, Glasgow Clyde and West College Scotland) to improve retention rates for groups of young people, particularly those in the age 16-26 category and who are vulnerable.

Our mentoring service works alongside the current Student Services provision within the college structure; however, the role will provide additional support both inside and outside the college campus.

As an Employment Facilitator, you will support:

  • Pre-entry, on course and pre-exit guidance to students at college.
  • Budgeting to develop student financial capability.
  • Enhance opportunities for student employability.
  • Delivery of tailored information workshops to both staff and students.
  • Arranging a programme of cross campus events in support of student development and progression.
  • Support vulnerable care experienced, young carers and estranged students to sustain their course through management of a caseload.

What you'll bring:

Our job description for the Employment Facilitator outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • To be committed, passionate and motivated. We are, and we want you to be too.
  • To be educated to SVQ 3/HNC level or can demonstrate experience in a similar setting. We do not need you to have both, but it is great if you do.
  • Knowledge of FE environment and in particular issues impacting on students.
  • The ability to engage and understand young people from a wide range of backgrounds and the ability to work in partnership with other organisations using a person-centred model.
  • Ability to deal confidently with situations requiring tact and discretion.
  • Ability to interact with people with wide a range of needs and abilities, which might often include challenging behaviour.
  • A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

Working with action for children is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we would love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with, and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Counsellor

  • Full time
  • £25,500
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 22nd March 2022

Perks:Annual leave of 29 days PLUS public holidays (Pro rata), flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our careers portal.

You will have access to an external qualified clinical supervisor. Action for Children know that as part of your counselling registration requirements, supervision is essential and so valued! We commit to paying for your monthly supervision with a mix of 1:1 supervision and peer supervision. This is of course on top of your line management and access to a team of experienced counsellors and practitioners for support.

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Our Glasgow Secondary Schools Counselling Service is expanding and we are now looking for additional Counsellor's to provide a high-quality, school based professional counselling service through effective intervention, management of cases and assessment of needs you will ensure safe care and agreed positive outcomes with Secondary school children aged 12-18yrs.

You will work as part of a wider team to deliver the provision of a schools based counselling service. You will promote and improve the mental health, emotional resilience and wellbeing of children and young people in Secondary schools who are negatively affected or are at risk of being affected by poor mental health. You will be able to effectively engage with young people to deliver counselling support, predominantly within a school setting but there may also be a requirement in a local community or home setting.

As a Counsellor, you'll be:

Providing a high-quality service to young people, that is outcomes-driven and based on an assessment of need.

  • Delivering complex and specialist interventions with young people on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.
  • Implement lead case/care planning management, including undertaking assessing, reviewing and managing risks.
  • Attending and participating at relevant multi agency meetings, providing a lead role ensuring reflective and analytical practice review.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • A recognised counselling qualification (e.g. diploma counselling, COSCA counselling modules), with relevant experience and be registered/ accredited with COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) or BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or equivalent.
  • Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, schools, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Experience of managing cases, in accordance with agreed procedures and completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Capacity to train in relevant – Evidence Based Programmes including the Blues programme or Decider.
  • Driving License and access to a suitable means of transport in order to carry out the duties of the role effectively is desired.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Family Support Worker

  • Part time
  • £19,100 pro-rata
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 23rd March 2022

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership have commissioned an exciting new service in the South of the City to work alongside families in a flexible and strengths based way to help them achieve positive outcomes. As part of a city-wide strategy, the service will promote the wellbeing of children and young people aged 0-12 years to support them to stay at home and thrive with their families within their local communities by offering the right support at the right time.

Our shared vision is to support children and young people to live with their parents and siblings, or where this is in the best interest of children, with their extended family, enabling them to grow up in their community with their friends, and attend their local school.

An assessment of need will be undertaken to identify needs, strengths and challenges that each family faces, the intensive interventions will involve advice, guidance, parenting support, 1:1 work with children and liaising with partner agencies.

The Family Support Workers will be part of a multi-disciplinary team with families to support and enable positive change and to improve outcomes. You'll join a team with an opportunity to work supporting and providing outcomes to families.

You will be required to have a flexible approach to working.

As a Family support Worker you'll be:

  • Achieving the highest standards of safeguarding, whether through direct care provision or support activities to the children and young people who come into contact with our services, or by appropriately reporting concerns about any child or young person.
  • Promoting our equality and diversity strategy locally, including linking with local equality and diversity frameworks to ensure best practice and to inform and develop appropriate action plans.
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues and families to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Listening to children, young people and families.
  • Working in an integrated way as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Family Support Worker outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • SVQ 3 in social care or equivalent.
  • Working within a multi-agency social care, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures
  • Experience of working alongside case holders to manage cases, in accordance with agreed procedures and completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes
  • Experience of working with vulnerable families and a broad understanding of their barriers.
  • Understanding of safeguarding.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and through presentations.
  • Driving licence and access to a suitable means of transport to enable to the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 17th March 2022

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Our Employability Strategic service is targeted at young people 16-29yrs who have experienced a variety of barriers and we enable them to reach a positive and sustained employment destination. By using a range of engaging programmes and tools, you will work with a team to support and prepare young people with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes which meets the needs of our young people for them to access, maintain and sustain employment. You will act as a key worker for a caseload of young people to provide the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and a 1:1 support as part of the aftercare service. The successful applicant will also support the service expansion by utilising face to face and online delivery to engage young people from all over Scotland. This reflects our organisational expertise as a leading young person's charity, aiming to address inequalities and improve the lives of Scotland's young people.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and inspiring individuals who are committed to developing the young workforce and ensuring a bright future for our young people.

As a Employment Facilitator, you'll be:

  • Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.
  • Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.
  • Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.
  • Leading the development and delivery of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.
  • Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Employment Facilitator outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
  • Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
  • Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.
  • A full driving licence and access to a suitable means of transport to enable the duties of the role to be effectively carried out.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Family Support Practitioner

  • Part time
  • £22,850 pro-rata
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 23rd March 2022

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

Our North Glasgow Family Support Service will deliver a flexible, needs-led Family Support Service to empower families across North West Glasgow.

Our delivery methodology is based on collaboration, involvement and co-production with families, agencies, and communities to meet individual needs/outcomes, create capacity/resilience and keep families together (preventing breakdown). Families may present a range of complex issues and needs e.g., poor parenting capacity/skills, parental mental health, addiction, learning disability, poverty/disadvantage, intergenerational issues/cycle of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

We will achieve and retain a clear focus on the following key outcomes throughout the service to improve children's safety and welfare:

  • Reduced risk of harm e.g., domestic violence, substance misuse, crime
  • Improved pro-social behaviour
  • Improved parenting skills and capacity
  • Reduced risk of family/placement breakdown
  • Improved health and wellbeing
  • Improved family relationships and functioning
  • Improved ambition and achievement
  • Improved routines and boundaries to improve family life
  • Improved confidence, social inclusion and community involvement.

As a Family Support Practitioner, you'll be:

  • Being family and child / young person-centred.
  • Identifying the needs of families and working with them to improve health and wellbeing.
  • Using a holistic approach and working with the family as a whole.
  • Working collaboratively with closely with other key partner agencies.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Family Support Practitioner outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • HNC in Social Care/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Experience of working directly with children/young people and families, either individually or in a group setting.
  • Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to maintain written records to a high standard.
  • The ability to coordinate referral, assessment, and support planning.
  • Experience of delivering a parenting programme (desirable).
  • Driving licence and car (desirable).

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Programme Lead Employability

  • Full time
  • £26,500
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 16th March 2022

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.

About the Role:

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24, who have a range of barriers or needs to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing and leading a team to drive the delivery of programme(s) across geographical and service areas to achieve specifically defined, reach, outputs and outcomes.

As a Programme Lead, you'll be:

  • Participating in the design and planning, and lead on the implementation of programme/s, ensuring that they are compatible with the objectives of the funding agreement.
  • Taking responsibility for the delivery of high-quality programmes to designated service, based on the agreed model and required outcomes.
  • Providing direct and overall line management of staff, applying appropriate policies and procedures, also sharing knowledge and experience through coaching and mentoring techniques.
  • Nurturing, developing and promoting effective relationships and channels of communication with colleagues, community organisational partner agencies and other external agencies.
  • Leading on managing content for our social media channels and identifying new opportunities to promote the Employability services on these platforms.

What You'll Bring:

Our job description for the Programme Lead outlines the requirements of the role but the ‘must-haves' are:

  • A management qualification or substantial experience of line managing staff and/or a specific project/programme.
  • Experience designing creative programmes that engage disadvantaged families.
  • Experience working in a project management approach – planning and monitoring work programme in line with key milestones and targets.
  • The ability to engage colleagues, agencies, community groups and families to deliver positive outcomes.
  • Experience and the ability to understanding the barriers to families' engagement.
  • Strong IT skills.
  • To have a suitable means of transport to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

Working here is so much more than a job. Whether this is a career change for you or the next step in your journey, we'd love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. A diverse workforce enriches the lives of the children and young people we work with and we welcome applications from everyone. We value and celebrate our differences and as an inclusive workplace we want everyone to be themselves.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding best-practice.

We can't wait to hear from you – stay safe and happy.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Worker

  • Full time
  • £23,600
  • Ormiston, East Lothian
  • Closing 17th December 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

Kamali House is located within a residential area of Ormiston, East Lothian and has been registered to provide long term care to a maximum of two young people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour who are unable to live with their own families.

As a Residential Worker you will primarily be based in our long term residential in Ormiston. You will provide care for our young people throughout the day by supporting with set routines, attend to personal care and administer medication following appropriate training. You will work with the team to develop and deliver young person-centred plans in relation to their needs through ought the day. You will be planning and supporting the young person in taking part in activities based at the service as well as out in the community such as trips to the beach, theme parks, community-based activities and groups and various other activities in order to develop their social and life skills.

We work directly with children and young people with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. We work in partnership with CAMHS LD and our own Behaviour Consultant to develop and deliver person centres support plans that offer consistency and clear outcomes for all out young people.

We firmly believe that behaviour is communication and work to identify what the young people are trying to tell us through their behaviour and support them to communicate that in a positive way.

Working in residential care is both challenging and rewarding. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

We LOVE what we do. And why wouldn't we? In what other job do you get to go bowling, trips to the zoo and theme parks or even have a cheeky Nando's, all in a day's work?

This role will be working 37 hours a week on a 3 week rolling pattern of 1 weekend off in 3. Shifts are 7am- 2.30pm or 2pm – 9.30pm. We are open to discussions around shift flexibility, if required, at interview stage.

You will make a difference by:

-Getting involved in lots of fun activities! dressing up, arts & crafts, construction toys, Lego, baking and messy play.

-Helping young people in all aspects of their daily lives.

-Having good communication skills and the ability to engage well with both young people, colleagues and other professionals.

-Being a creative thinker and having a solution focused approach.

-Using your skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of young people.

You will need:

-A commitment to working on shift rota pattern, which includes midweek, weekends and bank holidays.

-A positive approach, providing a fun environment for all the children in our care.

-Ideally, a HNC and SVQ 3 in a social care discipline (or a qualification which would meet the registration requirements) or a commitment to working towards these.

-Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities.

-Safeguarding knowledge.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Residential Worker

  • Full time
  • £23,600
  • Ormiston, East Lothian
  • Closing 12th November 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

Kamali House is located within a residential area of Ormiston, East Lothian and has been registered to provide long term care to a maximum of two young people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour who are unable to live with their own families.

As a Residential Worker you will primarily be based in our long term residential in Ormiston. You will provide care for our young people throughout the day by supporting with set routines, attend to personal care and administer medication following appropriate training. You will work with the team to develop and deliver young person-centred plans in relation to their needs through ought the day. You will be planning and supporting the young person in taking part in activities based at the service as well as out in the community such as trips to the beach, theme parks, community-based activities and groups and various other activities in order to develop their social and life skills.

We work directly with children and young people with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. We work in partnership with CAMHS LD and our own Behaviour Consultant to develop and deliver person centres support plans that offer consistency and clear outcomes for all out young people.

We firmly believe that behaviour is communication and work to identify what the young people are trying to tell us through their behaviour and support them to communicate that in a positive way.

Working in residential care is both challenging and rewarding. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

We LOVE what we do. And why wouldn't we? In what other job do you get to go bowling, trips to the zoo and theme parks or even have a cheeky Nando's, all in a day's work?

This role will be working 37 hours a week on a 3 week rolling pattern of 1 weekend off in 3. Shifts are 7am- 2.30pm or 2pm – 9.30pm. We are open to discussions around shift flexibility, if required, at interview stage.

You will make a difference by:

-Getting involved in lots of fun activities! dressing up, arts & crafts, construction toys, Lego, baking and messy play.

-Helping young people in all aspects of their daily lives.

-Having good communication skills and the ability to engage well with both young people, colleagues and other professionals.

-Being a creative thinker and having a solution focused approach.

-Using your skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of young people.

You will need:

-A commitment to working on shift rota pattern, which includes midweek, weekends and bank holidays.

-A positive approach, providing a fun environment for all the children in our care.

-Ideally, a HNC and SVQ 3 in a social care discipline (or a qualification which would meet the registration requirements) or a commitment to working towards these.

-Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities.

-Safeguarding knowledge.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Edinburgh, Lothians
  • Closing 28th October 2021

A little about the role and service:

The STAY mentoring service provides community-based support and in-college support to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances and challenges they face. For example, poverty, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, finances ,debt, family/relationship issues, justice system or mental health.

The programme is focused on working alongside colleges to improve retention rates for particular groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced or those who face significant challenges to engaging in learning. The service aims to improve the poor retention rates within colleges for these young people and leaners.

Our mentoring service works alongside the current Student Services provision within the college structure, however, the role will provide additional support both inside the college support and outside the college campus.

As an Employment Facilitator, you will support young people in college. We have vacancies in Edinburgh and cover 4 college campuses. all based in Edinburgh.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions. The role is a blended approach split between homeworking, college based and within the community.

You will help our Young People by:

-Supporting young people who face significant challenges engaging in learning to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including some out of hours support.

-Supporting young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community-based issues.

-Linking with college staff to identify students with barriers to attending or progressing with their college studies or at risk of leaving college into a negative destination and becoming unemployed.

-Offering individualised support for each student identified in line with his or her unique needs, issues, and circumstances, this may include financial, housing, advocacy and wellbeing support.

What are we looking for from you:

- To be committed, passionate and motivated. We are, and we want you to be too.

-To be educated to SVQ 3/HNC level or have previous experience in a similar setting. We don't need you to have both but it's great if you do.

-An understanding of the issues that young people face.

-The ability to engage and understand young people from a wide range of backgrounds and the ability to work in partnership with other organisations.

-A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • Circa £22,000
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 4th October 2021

Brilliant benefits

We offer 29 days holiday plus public/bank holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, pension scheme where we contribute up to 7%, an employee discount portal and much more.

Are you empathetic focused and passionate about changing the lives of children and their families throughout Scotland for the better? Do you have experience of engaging with young people in your local community? We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Employment Facilitator to join our team based in Edinburgh. This is an exciting and rewarding role with the opportunity to make a huge personal impact.

You will be instrumental in maximising and coordinating opportunities within the local community to maximise employment prospects, providing a rewarding and meaningful experience and adding value to service provision.

The role

Our service provides support for young people aged 16-24 who are facing a range of challenges and barriers. We deliver a tailored service for individuals who are at risk of poverty, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, finances, debt, family/relationship issues, justice system and mental health.

The day-to-day job involves meeting young people at various locations across Edinburgh, delivering SQA & vocational training whilst supporting personal development and future employment opportunities.

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24, who have a range of barriers or needs to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes aimed at young people aged 16-24 to access, maintain and sustain employment through the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and work placement, supported through a key worker approach for up to 6 months from securing employment.

- A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively

You'll significantly improve young people's lives and make a difference by:

- Offering individualised support for each young person identified in line with his/her needs over various timescales whilst assisting with various learning difficulties, dyslexia/ADHD

- Motivating and encouraging young people, building on their existing skills to increase their confidence in areas such as independent travel, opening bank accounts, healthy living, CV and employability workshops.

- Building rapport with young people on a 1:1 basis or within a group setting delivering SQA & sector lead training .i.e. construction, hospitality & retail.

- Delivering complexed and specialist interventions with young people on a 1:1 basis, group or community setting.

- Identifying areas of support, setting achievable goals, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles to progress into sustainable employment.

- Managing caseloads of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry into training, further education & .employment

You will need:

- To be committed, passionate and motivated. We are, and we want you to be too.

- Desirable SVQ 3/HNC level or previous experience working and engaging with challenging young people/youth groups aged 16-24 preferably gained within a similar project or employability sector.

- The ability to engage and have an understanding of young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

- The ability to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations forming strong relationships with support services

- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate others.

- A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

- Have experience of facilitating group work and also one to one work

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Programme Lead - Employability

  • Full time
  • £26,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 29th September 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

A little about the role and service:

The STAY mentoring service provides community-based support and in-college support to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances and challenges they face. For example, poverty, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, finances ,debt, family/relationship issues, justice system or mental health.

The programme is focused on working alongside colleges to improve retention rates for particular groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced or those who face significant challenges to engaging in learning. The service aims to improve the poor retention rates within colleges for these young people and leaners.

Our mentoring service works alongside the current Student Services provision within the college structure, however, the role will provide additional support both inside the college support and outside the college campus.

As a Programme Lead Employability you will have direct supervision of 2 Employment Facilitators as well as carrying a small caseload directly.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions. The role is a blended approach split between homeworking, college based and within the community.

You will help our Young People by:

  • Managing and leading a small team of passionate, motivated and committed staff.
  • Leading the support delivered to young people who face significant challenges engaging in learning to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including some out of hours support.
  • Leading the support provided to young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community-based issues.
  • Being the lead link with a range of college staff to identify students and to track and monitor progress and develop new partnerships with other organisations and agencies.
  • By delivering a safe and positive work and service environment through compliance with all safeguarding, safer recruitment and health and safety policy and procedure.
  • By working closely with senior staff and managers to review and evaluate programme provision ensuring continuous improvements are made, driving innovation and business development.

What are we looking for from you:

  • To be committed, passionate and motivated.
  • To be educated to SVQ 3/HNC level or above or demonstrate 2 years' experience in a relevant discipline. We don't need you to have both but if you do, it would be great.
  • To demonstrate experience of leading a team.
  • An understanding of the current policy and legislation affecting young people.
  • To demonstrate strong partnership working with other organisations and agencies.
  • To be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service. We might need occasional flexibility from you.
  • To be familiar and confident with a range of IT applications.
  • A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Learn more about our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work on our Action for Children website.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, promoting diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator - Edinburgh

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Edinburgh, Lothians
  • Closing 29th September 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

A little about the role and service:

The STAY mentoring service provides community-based support and in-college support to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances and challenges they face. For example, poverty, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, finances ,debt, family/relationship issues, justice system or mental health.

The programme is focused on working alongside colleges to improve retention rates for particular groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced or those who face significant challenges to engaging in learning. The service aims to improve the poor retention rates within colleges for these young people and leaners.

Our mentoring service works alongside the current Student Services provision within the college structure, however, the role will provide additional support both inside the college support and outside the college campus.

As an Employment Facilitator, you will support young people in college. We have vacancies in Edinburgh and cover 4 college campuses. all based in Edinburgh.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions. The role is a blended approach split between homeworking, college based and within the community.

You will help our Young People by:

  • Supporting young people who face significant challenges engaging in learning to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including some out of hours support.
  • Supporting young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community-based issues.
  • Linking with college staff to identify students with barriers to attending or progressing with their college studies or at risk of leaving college into a negative destination and becoming unemployed.
  • Offering individualised support for each student identified in line with his or her unique needs, issues, and circumstances, this may include financial, housing, advocacy and wellbeing support.

What are we looking for from you:

  • To be committed, passionate and motivated. We are, and we want you to be too.
  • To be educated to SVQ 3/HNC level or have previous experience in a similar setting. We don't need you to have both but it's great if you do.
  • An understanding of the issues that young people face.
  • The ability to engage and understand young people from a wide range of backgrounds and the ability to work in partnership with other organisations.
  • A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectively

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Learn more about our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work on our Action for Children website.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, promoting diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £22,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire (also positions available in Inverclyde)
  • Closing 29th September 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

A little about the role and service:

The STAY mentoring service provides community-based support and in-college support to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances and challenges they face. For example, poverty, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, finances ,debt, family/relationship issues, justice system or mental health.

The programme is focused on working alongside colleges to improve retention rates for particular groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced or those who face significant challenges to engaging in learning. The service aims to improve the poor retention rates within colleges for these young people and leaners.

Our mentoring service works alongside the current Student Services provision within the college structure, however, the role will provide additional support both inside the college support and outside the college campus.

As an Employment Facilitator, you will support young people in college. We have vacancies in Glasgow, Inverclyde & Edinburgh. You will be based in one of the following locations: Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow City College, West Scotland College (Inverclyde, Renfrewshire & Clydebank). Please state what area you are applying for in your supporting statement on our application form.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions. The role is a blended approach split between homeworking, college based and within the community.

You will help our Young People by:

  • Supporting young people who face significant challenges engaging in learning to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including some out of hours support.
  • Supporting young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community-based issues.
  • Linking with college staff to identify students with barriers to attending or progressing with their college studies or at risk of leaving college into a negative destination and becoming unemployed.
  • Offering individualised support for each student identified in line with his or her unique needs, issues, and circumstances, this may include financial, housing, advocacy and wellbeing support.

What are we looking for from you:

  • To be committed, passionate and motivated. We are, and we want you to be too.
  • To be educated to SVQ 3/HNC level or have previous experience in a similar setting. We don't need you to have both but it's great if you do.
  • An understanding of the issues that young people face.
  • The ability to engage and understand young people from a wide range of backgrounds and the ability to work in partnership with other organisations.
  • A current driving license and access to a car to enable the duties of the role to be carried out effectivel

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Learn more about our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work on our Action for Children website.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK.

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, promoting diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £21,100
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 19th August 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24, who have a range of barriers or needs to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes aimed at young people aged 16-24 to access, maintain and sustain employment through the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and work placement, supported through a key worker approach for up to 6 months from securing employment.

- You will need a full current driving licence and use of a car for travel between Colleges

You will make a difference by:

- Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.

- Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.

- Managing and co-ordinating caseloads for young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.

- Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

-Working as part of the team to review and evaluate service provision and programme delivery, ensuring continued improvements are applied and where necessary manage, guide or direct less experienced staff.

You will need:

- An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.

- Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.

-Previous experience of working within recruitment or employment sector.

- Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.

- A full driving licence and access to a car to use for business.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Team Leader Residential

  • Full time
  • £26,500
  • Edinburgh, Lothian
  • Closing 23rd July 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The Role

Gilmerton Road Short Breaks is located in South Edinburgh. Gilmerton Road supports young people and their families from the Lothians age 5-18 with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

You will lead, inspire and motivate your team to deliver meaningful support that changes children's lives. Working with the Registered Manager you will be responsible for creating and maintaining the culture across the services that seeks to support staff to provide high quality care in our short breaks service.

Residential Team leader is a dual role that offering direct support to the young people while undertaking administrative and organisational tasks.

Working in residential care is both challenging and rewarding. Our aim is to give every young person we work with the support and guidance to reach their potential and support their aspirations for a positive future, and this is a vital part of our work.

This role will be working 37 hours a week on a 2 weekly shift pattern, offering every second weekend off. Shifts from 7am to 2.30pm and 2pm to 9.30pm.

You will make a difference by:

-Providing direct line management to a team of residential staff to deliver high standards of care.

-Support staff team development through training opportunities, staff supervision, and multidisciplinary working.

-Leading shifts and working with the Registered Manager to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational policy and procedure.

-Work to achieve positive outcomes for individual children and young people and contributing to the achievement of an outstanding, good or equivalent rating in external inspection including deputising in the absence of the Registered Manager.

You will need:

-Previous experience of supervising staff

-Significant experience of working with children and young people with Learning Disabilities

-Confident in all aspects of MS Office

-Experience of coaching and supporting staff to reach a competent standard

-HNC Social care & SVQ Children and young people or equivalent

-SVQ4 in leadership and management or willing to work towards

-Ability to work under pressure while maintaining drive and enthusiasm

-To be able to effectively and safely deal with children and young people with challenging behaviour

-Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

-Good knowledge of Safeguarding, and keeping young people safe

-To be SSSC registered

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

For more information, please contact Anne Marie Wilson or anne-marie.wilson@actionforchildren.org.uk

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • Circa £21,100
  • Glasgow City
  • Closing 28th July 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations, they need to thrive.

The role

Our STAY mentoring programme provides a community-based support function to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances “within and outside the college campus”. (For example, making applications for accommodation/housing issues, childcare, debt budgeting, family/relationship issues, offending behaviour/judicial system or mental health.

This programme is focused on working with colleges to improve retention rates for groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced background or defined as having experienced ACEs. The rationale for the service, is the poor retention rates within Colleges for the identified group of young people compared to their peers.

The mentoring programme sits alongside the current provision and support provided by Student Services within the college structure. As a College Retention worker, you will support young people in one of the following locations: - Glasgow Kelvin College Glasgow Clyde College & Glasgow City College and West College Scotland. (You will need a full current driving licence and use of a car for travel between Colleges).

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions.

You will make a difference by:

-Supporting young people from Care Experienced backgrounds to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including access to out of hours support.

-Supporting young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community-based issues.

-Linking with college staff to identify students with barriers to attending or progressing with their college studies or at risk of leaving college into a negative destination and becoming unemployed.

-Offering individualised support for each care-experienced student identified in line with his or her unique needs, issues, and circumstances.

-Deliver sessions on local provision and job search including building confidence, establishing routine, developing CVs, improving interview skills, and participating in work experience or progression routes to positive destinations.

-Ensure all records and compliance paperwork is obtained, accurately completed, and submitted timely.

You will need:

-An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.

-An assessor's qualification is desirable however not essential.

-Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.

-The ability to engage and have an understanding of young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

-The use of a car and business insurance.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Pratitioner

  • Part time
  • Circa £23,000 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 23rd July 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The Role

Edinburgh EH1 Service work with young people and their families providing additional support and is commissioned by City of Edinburgh Council’s Edinburgh Young Peoples Service (Youth Justice Social Work Team) The post holder will be part of team of Practitioners and Service Co-ordinator providing intensive weekly 1:1 contact with young people aged 12-17yrs to avoid care placement breakdown, reduce escalation into the care system, and to address the risk and highlight consequences for a range of behaviours including offending, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and promote personal safety. We are looking for a Young Person Practitioner to work 25 hours per week.

You will make a difference by:

  • By managing a caseload of service users, planning weekly contacts / 1-1 direct work in the community and attending professional meetings as required.
  • By working to support young people to engage with pro-social activities, support / specialist services which enables them to reach their full potential and which enables them to sustain their home or other care placement.
  • By building strong working relationships with multi-agency partners from the statutory and voluntary sectors to deliver the best outcomes for young people and their families.
  • By ensuring that the Service complies with all Action for Children and Edinburgh City Standards and Procedures and with regard to case file recording / paperwork, incident and accident reporting, safeguarding and health and safety Practitioners will use Action for Children E-Systems to identify needs, interventions and outcomes and with use Edinburgh SWIFT to record case notes etc.
  • By attending regular team meetings and participating in training and learning.

You will need:

  • SVQ 3 Health and Social Care or equivalent.
  • Relevant and recent practitioner experience working with young people and families and with a working knowledge of safeguarding practice and social care standards.
  • Sound understanding of issues affecting young people and families.
  • Experience of working with creative approaches and methods to engage with hard to reach young people and families.
  • Proven assessment skills and experience of working towards outcome focused care / service plans.
  • Excellent communication skills - verbal and written and IT.
  • Willingness to work flexibly with young people and families; which will include some evening and weekend working.
  • Car driver with access to a vehicle and business insurance

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

News & Media Relations Officer

  • Full time
  • £31,200
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 28th June 2021

Spreading the word and making sure people know about our life-changing work.

The role

Based at our office in Glasgow, and working within the Fundraising, Communications and Policy team to research topics, deliver PR and media assets and activities across Scotland to highlight the work Action for Children does and issues relating to disadvantaged children, young people and families.

As a News and Media Relations Officer you'll liaise with our Leadership Team in Scotland as well as the UK-wide team to coordinate and our strategy and focus. Your role will include pitching and selling in stories, building solid relationships with journalists and making sure Action for Children's voice is heard. You'll also collaborate with our services and service users to highlight the issues they face.

You will make a difference by:

  • Creating relationships with news journalists, producers, social media to promote the strategy and services of Action for Children.
  • Working in the field with members of the media and service users and staff.
  • Raising the profile of Action for Children.
  • Working closely with campaigns and fundraising and the leadership team.
  • Taking your turn on the on-call rota for the wider Communications team.

You will need:

  • Experience of working in a charity or a press office is desirable.
  • Experience of working with children and families is desirable.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
  • The ability to collaborate with other teams and departments.
  • A strong News and PR sense.
  • Flexibility to support out of hours team as and when required.
  • The ability to work under pressure.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Community Short Breaks Worker

  • Part time
  • Circa £18,950 pro-rata
  • Hamiltion, South Lanarkshire
  • Closing 28th June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role:

Silverton's Community Hub is an exciting new development building on the success of our residential service in Hamilton.

The aim of the Hub is to support families with a child with a disability to ensure the child feels involved in his community, enjoys the childhood experience and builds her confidence whilst developing the families resilience to deal with the day to day challenges of their care giving duties.

The role involves individualized support to a wide range of young people from the age of 7 to 19. The support is personalized to the specific needs, likes, character and personality of each individual child. This is directed through an extensive and well researched care plan which is strongly led by the child's voice.

More specifically your role will involve going out and about in the community with young people introducing them to mainstream activities and supporting the child to enjoy new experiences and to follow their own interests. This could include trips to parks, swimming, bowling, the cinema and cinema. It may involve shopping trips, outings on buses and trains, visits to cafes, clubs and museums.

On other occasions you would support young people from our Community Hub base. You would be involved in running a range of interesting activities to a small group of young people. This could be arts and crafts based or involve a more life skills approach. There will be a requirement to support our children to understand boundaries, relationships and to still have fun without imposing on others. Some of the children' behaviour will present, at times, as challenging and we will be looking for a support worker who is understanding, compassionate, patient and tolerant whilst also being a strong consistent adult role model, a counsellor, a teacher and a fun friend.

You will make a difference by:

  • Helping young people with a learning disability have a presence in the community.
  • Supporting young people with their needs during and providing emotional support personal care and maintaining a clean safe and nurturing environment.
  • Helping our young people learn and have fun in safe settings.
  • Providing a safe environment where they can enjoy time with their friends.
  • Working towards giving them a positive future.
  • Helping them in all aspects of their daily lives and supporting their health and happiness.

You will need:

  • Experience working within a care environment preferably working with children and young people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
  • A HNC/ SVQ Social Care preferred ( candidates without this may have an opportunity to work towards.)
  • To register with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) within 6 months of starting post.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Senior Counsellor

  • Full time
  • £32,000
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 28th June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

Our Glasgow Secondary Schools Counselling Service is looking for 3 Senior Counsellors to lead a small team of Counsellors and provide face to face counselling support in a new, exciting high-quality, school based professional counselling service in Glasgow. The service will, through delivery of evidence-based programmes and counselling provide effective assessment of needs, intervention and ensure safe care and agreed positive outcomes with secondary school children aged 12-18yrs. Our service will cover all secondary schools in Glasgow City Council (30+).

Reporting to our Practice Manager Counselling you will work as part of a wider team to deliver the provision of a schools-based counselling service and promote and improve the mental health, emotional resilience and wellbeing of children and young people in Secondary school who are negatively affected or are at risk of being affected by poor mental health.

You will make a difference by:

-Taking responsibility for the assistance in delivery of a high-quality counselling service, in accordance with service requirements

-Provide line management and co-ordinate a small team of Counsellors applying advice and guidance and utilising Action for Children's policies and procedures.

-Attend meetings with external agencies, representing Action for Children, demonstrating professionalism and our core values, in terms of approach, advice and positioning.

-Manage complex cases and assessments through high level of professionalism to children and families, using appropriate interventions that are outcome focused and evidence based to deliver to a service specification, also utilising relevant legislation, professional regulations and Action for Children policies and procedures.

-Lead and deliver a range of co-ordination activities, 1 day a week including training, supervision, participation events, recruitment, support groups etc and partner meetings.

You will need:

-A recognised qualification in Counselling and registration with BACP; BABCP or equivalent body.

-A minimum of 2 year's experience of counselling with young people.

-Experience of and knowledge of schools-based counselling delivery.

-Proven experience of establishing effective working relationships with relevant partners, agencies or other bodies.

-To demonstrate experience of leading a small team to ensure high standard delivery alongside direct counselling work, and the best outcomes for young people.

-Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, schools, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.

-The ability to undertake complex assessments of a service user needs using specific assessment tools.

-Competent usage of Microsoft Outlook packages i.e., Word, Excel.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

For more information, please contact Sarah Manderfield by email sarah.manderfield@actionforchildren.org.uk

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice.

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons particularly people with Disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Worker

  • Part time
  • Circa £18,000 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 21st June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundation's they need to thrive.

Are you passionate about inclusion and equality? Action for Children emotional wellbeing and inclusion project in conjunction with Young Start Community Fund & The Gannochy Trust creates an opportunity to engage with multi- cultural young people from diverse communities in Edinburgh, promoting social inclusion, learning of different cultures and historical events and engagement with sports, arts and music . The project offers a trusting support network that will be a safe place to discuss challenges where staff can enable young people to develop new skills and community connections. As a young persons worker you will be involved in engaging with young people individually and in groups working towards agreed service plans and outcomes.

You will make a difference by:

  • Delivering emotional wellbeing and inclusion programmes on a 1:1 basis or in a group setting, with appropriate direction and support.
  • Building self-esteem and confidence for young people.
  • Promoting positive identity aspects.
  • Supporting with 1-1 support sessions working with vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds.

You will need:

  • S/NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience of working with young people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
  • Experience of working with young people from diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds and or individual experience in your own life.
  • Prior experience of working as part of a team or as an individual to deliver a frontline service.
  • Knowledge of preparing clear and concise file notes and inputting information into office systems.
  • Experience of preparing, organising, reviewing and delivering individual and or group work.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

For more information, please contact Sarah Manderfield by email sarah.manderfield@actionforchildren.org.uk

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons particularly people with Disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Young Persons Practitioner

  • Part time
  • Circa £22,000 pro-rata
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 21st June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundation's they need to thrive.

Are you passionate about inclusion and equality? Action for Children emotional wellbeing and inclusion project in conjunction with Young Start Community Fund & The Gannochy Trust creates an opportunity to engage with multi- cultural young people from diverse communities in Edinburgh, promoting social inclusion, learning of different cultures and historical events and engagement with sports, arts and music. The project offers a trusting support network that will be a safe place to discuss challenges where staff can enable young people to develop new skills and community connections. As a young persons practitioner you will be involved in engaging with young people individually and in groups developing agreed service plans working towards agreed outcomes.

You will have lived in experiences of diverse communities and will have exemplary multi-cultural diversity awareness

You will make a difference by:

  • Delivering support to build emotional wellbeing and inclusion through 1-1 and group sessions.
  • Building self-esteem and confidence.
  • Promoting positive identity aspects.
  • Taking a co-production approach to the development of supports and interventions.
  • Facilitating 1-1 support sessions working with vulnerable young people from multi-cultural background.

You will need:

  • HNC Social Care or SVQ children and young people or other relevant qualification and or significant experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience of working with young people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds building relationships and offering support.
  • The ability to work within a multi-agency social care, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Experience of working with individuals who have experienced racial discrimination and or personal lived experience will be welcomed.
  • Reporting both verbally and in writing on the delivery of services to wide client group.
  • Proven ability to use Microsoft packages.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

For more information, please contact Sarah Manderfield by email sarah.manderfield@actionforchildren.org.uk

We are committed to safer recruitment practices to protect our service users; therefore, all applicants are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding best-practice. Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons particularly people with Disabilities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • Circa £21,100
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 17th June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24 to remove barriers and enable them to reach a positive and sustained destination. By using a range of engaging programmes and tools, you will work with a team to support and prepare young people with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicants will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes which meets the needs of our young people in order for them to access, maintain and sustain employment. You will act as a key worker for a caseload of young people to provide the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and a 1:1 support as part of the aftercare service. The successful candidates will also support the service expansion by utilising face to face and online delivery to engage young people from all over Scotland.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and inspiring individuals who are committed to developing the young workforce and ensuring a bright future for our young people.

You will make a difference by:

- Providing a responsive, high quality and customer focused service to young people seeking to enter the labour market and our partners based on an assessment of need that is regularly and professionally reviewed and the development of aspirational action plans which are outcomes driven.

- Applying Action for Children's and professional practice standards and ensuring their implementation as necessary and being proactive in their implementation.

- Managing and co-ordinate a caseload of young people, providing a range of targeted interventions to assist their entry to the labour market through group, coordinated or individual support.

- Leading the development and delivery of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

- Delivering of a range of group work modules that contribute to our overall employability programmes, promoting inclusion and allowing for individual learning styles.

You will need:

- An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.

- Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.

- Knowledge and understanding of young people facing unemployment.

- A full driving licence and access to a car to use for business

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work here.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits here.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

SVQ Coordinator

  • Full time
  • £26,700
  • Glasgow
  • Closing 9th June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The role

Is to provide a service to Action for Children's employability cluster within Glasgow and Inverclyde who provide community based, training programmes and skills to support young people entering the employment market or a positive destination.

Delivery will include young people taking part in various assessments to demonstrate vocational competencies are met.

You will be required to work alongside Assessors to ensure they have the correct standard for delivery.

You will plan objectives with the Employability cluster Managers to ensure the right qualifications are readily available to meet the services requested.

You will be responsible for the overall coordination of the SVQ centre in line with SQA quality assurance and centre management, ensuring all qualifications are internally verified and registered timely.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions.

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • Circa £21,100
  • Edinburgh
  • Closing 9th June 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

The service provides support to young people aged 16-24, who have a range of barriers or needs to make positive choices for their future. By using a range of programmes and tools you will work with the team to support and prepare them with their first steps into the world of employment or further education.

The successful applicant will directly support and deliver a range of both practical and vocational employability programmes aimed at young people aged 16-24 to access, maintain and sustain employment through the provision of a comprehensive in-house training programme and work placement, supported through a key worker approach for up to 6 months from securing employment.

- You will need a full current driving licence and use of a car for travel between Colleges

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Employment Facilitator

  • Full time
  • £21,100
  • Glasgow City
  • Closing 24th May 2021

Our STAY mentoring programme provides a community based support function to young people at greatest risk of withdrawal from learning due to circumstances “outside the college campus”. (For example, accommodation/housing issues, childcare, debt support, family/relationship issues, offending behaviour/judicial system or mental health.

This programme is focused on working with colleges to improve retention rates for particular groups of young people, particularly those from Care experienced background or defined as having experienced ACEs. The rationale for the service, is the poor retention rates within Colleges for the identified group of young people compared to their peers.

The mentoring programme sits alongside the current provision and support provided by Student Services within the college structure. As a College Retention worker you will support young people in one of the following locations: - Glasgow Kelvin College Glasgow Clyde College & Glasgow City College.

Some engagement may be delivered remotely during the current COVID restrictions

You will make a difference by:

  • Supporting young people from Care Experienced backgrounds to assist them with a successful transition into further education or adapt to college life at enrolment stage by offering support within the college and within their local community, including access to out of hours support.
  • Supporting young people to prevent them from withdrawing from further education, due to family/personal/community based issues.
  • Linking with college staff to identify students with barriers to attending or progressing with their college studies or at risk of leaving college into a negative destination and becoming unemployed.
  • Offering individualised support for each care-experienced student identified in line with his or her unique needs, issues and circumstances.
  • Deliver sessions on local provision and job search including building confidence, establishing routine, developing CVs, improving interview skills and participating in work experience
  • Ensure all records and compliance paperwork is obtained, accurately completed and submitted

You will need:

  • An SVQ 3 in Social Care, Guidance or equivalent.
  • An assessor's qualification is desirable however not essential.
  • Experience of working in group settings with young people facing multiple barriers.
  • The ability to engage and have an understanding of young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
  • The use of a car and business insurance

For more information, please contact Sam Richardson on 07935545059 or email recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk

Shortlist
This vacancy has now closed

Top job! Practice Manager Counselling

  • Full time
  • £42,500
  • Glasgow, Lanarkshire
  • Closing 19th May 2021

Giving children and young people the foundations they need to thrive.

Our Glasgow Secondary Schools Counselling Service is looking for a Practice Manager to oversee the operational delivery of our new, exciting high-quality, school based professional counselling service in Glasgow. The service will, through delivery of evidence based programmes and counselling provide effective intervention, management of cases and assessment of needs, ensure safe care and agreed positive outcomes with secondary school children aged 12-18yrs. Our service will cover all secondary schools in Glasgow City Council (30+).

The Practice Manager will oversee, deliver, and manage the service through a team of professional Counsellors and Support Workers providing professional practice and operational/management supervision utilising Action for Children's and other recognised professional standards and procedures to enable the achievement of positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. Ideally your background will include new service delivery at an operational level alongside experience of staff management.

You will make a difference by:

  • Taking responsibility for the delivery of a high-quality services, in accordance with service requirements applying relevant legislation, regulations and Action for Children policies and procedures.
  • Leading and managing a team (including case management supervision) of professional Counsellors and Support Workers also applying advice and guidance and utilising Action for Children's policies and procedures, to provide a responsive, high-quality, customer and outcome-focused service to children, young people, their families and partner agencies.
  • Take responsibility for work auditing, ensuring systems are in place and regularly applied to support service compliance, employee and contract development and the production of regular reports and service developments and improvements based on feedback.
  • Attend meetings with external agencies, representing Action for Children, demonstrating professionalism and our core values, in terms of approach, advice and positioning.

You will need:

  • A recognised qualification in a related field (e.g. Mental Health, Children and Young People, Education, Counselling) and registration with BACP or equivalent body.
  • Experience of working within a multi-agency social care, schools, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures.
  • Experiencing of co-ordinating service delivery.
  • Experience of chairing/attending multi agency and strategic management meetings.
  • Proven ability to manage and supervise professional and support staff.
  • Proven experience of managing HR issues.
  • Demonstrable experience of leading a team to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people, parents, and carers.
  • Knowledge of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, attachment, child development and safeguarding.

The way we work

We work to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our behaviours and values to understand more about the way we work on our careers site.

Rewards

We want our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, a comprehensive employer-matched pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts on our dedicated benefits portal. Find out more about our exclusive Action for Children benefits on our careers site.

For safe and happy childhoods

At Action for Children, we protect and support children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Last year, we helped more than 387,000 children and families across the UK.

Shortlist