· Facilitate managed handovers (safe transfer of child/ren from one parent to another)
· Provide supported and /or supervised child contact (including preparation and tidy up following contact)
· Control entry and exit at contact centre premises during contact
· Undertake robust cleaning duties between contacts to ensure client and staff safety
Relationships Scotland - Family Mediation Highland is seeking a Family Support Worker for their Child Contact Centre in Wick
Hours
8 hours per fortnight (which include a Saturday) . There is some flexibility required in relation to how hours are worked but the post will include working on alternate Saturdays.
Rate of pay - £16.47 per hour
Holiday entitlement - 20 days per year + bank holidays (pro rata)
Post is until June 2027 but may be extended subject to funding.
Training (paid) will be provided
The centre supports separated families by providing a safe, friendly, neutral, child -centred environment for children to meet with the parent or wider family they no longer live with. It also provides supported handovers so that parents don't have to meet.
The role entails working with separated parents, children and other family members both individually and in groups to provide outcome-focused support for separated families with complex or longer-term needs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Facilitate managed handovers (safe transfer of child/ren from one parent to another)
- Provide supported and / or supervised child contact (including preparation and tidy up following contact)
- Control entry and exit at contact centre premises during contact
- Undertake robust cleaning duties between contacts to ensure client and staff safety
- Support children, parents and other family members or carers to establish and maintain positive contact
- Provide practical and emotional support for families to develop their capacity to meet their children’s needs
- Support families to develop parental/family understanding of children’s needs and parenting skills
- Build confidence and trust between parents and their families and confront fears
- Identify client’s support needs and appropriate mechanisms to meet these needs
- Break down barriers to contact and assist families to progress
- Contribute to risk assessment
- Refer or signpost to other agencies as appropriate in accordance with the needs identified
- Effectively manage a varied caseload
- Undertake all relevant monitoring and evaluation as required by the service
- Maintain case records as required by the service
Requirements
· A genuine interest in families, with a caring, impartial and non-judgemental approach
· Ability to develop parenting skills and help families overcome challenges to build positive relationships
· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
· SVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Child Care / Social Care or similar
· Experience of working with children and families from varied family structures and complex needs
· Experience or understanding of working with families affected by the following would be an advantage:
o Domestic abuse issues
o Alcohol /substance misuse
o Additional support needs
o Mental Health
A satisfactory Disclosure Certificate is required for this post
Closing Date: 3rd August 2026
Applicants are required to contact Relationships Scotland – Family Mediation Highland to obtain an application pack.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £16.47 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wick, Highland: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- working with complex family needs: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
