Assistant Family Support Worker – Edinburgh
Last updated: 20/11/2025
Key info
Post: Assistant Family Support Worker
Hours: 5 hours per week, potentially more hours depending on funding
2.5 Tuesday. 9:30-12:30. Community based
2.5 Thursday. 10-12:30. Office based
Salary: OPFS Grade Point 9, £24,111 (£3,444 pro rata)
Location: Office location: 2 York Place, EH1 3EP
Community location: The Wellbeing Collective, EH14 3HR.
Reports to: Regional Coordinator – Edinburgh
Closing date: Sunday 28th November
The postholder will be expected to operate in line with our values which are:
Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion.
Overview:
All roles at OPFS contribute to our mission of working with and for single parent families, providing support that enables them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children.
Main duties:
The Assistant Family Support Worker will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Edinburgh Family Support Service for single parent families. The role involves providing practical and emotional support to parents, facilitating group activities, and helping families access relevant resources, supports and opportunities to improve their wellbeing.
Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment
OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Gold status.
Polices and guidance
Job description
The role description is a broad picture of the post at the time of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that roles change and evolve over time.
Key tasks and responsibilities
Outreach and Engagement
- Actively engage with single parent families through our stay and play in the community.
- Promote the service and encourage participation in activities and support sessions.
Group Activities and Sessions
- Plan, organise, and deliver weekly Stay and Play sessions for single parents and children.
- Create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for families.
Information, Advice, and Support
- Provide accurate information and guidance on issues affecting single parents, including childcare, benefits, housing, and employability.
- Signpost families to relevant services and resources.
Collaboration and Reporting
- Work closely with the Edinburgh Regional Coordinator and other team members to ensure effective service delivery.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement and support provided, in line with organisational policies.
Other Relevant duties
- Carrying out any other relevant duties related to the above.
Personal specifications
Desirable skills
- Experience working with families or in a community support role.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to plan and deliver group activities for parents and children.
- Knowledge of issues affecting single parent families, including social and economic challenges.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Confident using IT platforms including data bases, Outlook, Word etc
Personal attributes
- Empathetic and approachable, with a genuine commitment to supporting families.
- Organised and proactive, with good problem-solving skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of families and the service.
Working Conditions
- This position combines community-based work with office-based responsibilities at our Edinburgh office, located at 2 York Place
Training
- Full induction and training will be given. OPFS has a strong commitment to continuous professional development and there will be regular opportunities for training
Terms and conditions
- Period of appointment: Fixed term until 30th June 2026. Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probationary period, and references.
- Hours of work: 5 hours per week
- Salary: Grade Point 9, £24,111 (£3,444 pro rata)
- Holidays: Holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks per annum will accrue pro rata to the hours worked and be paid with your monthly salary. This will include an additional 5 days per year after 5 years’ service. (This will be pro-rated from your start date in the fifth year of service).
- Pension: You will be auto enrolled from your start date. OPFS pays 3% of your salary and you pay a minimum of 7%.
- Training and support and supervision: You will receive induction training and frequent support in the first three months. Thereafter you will receive monthly individual support and supervision and annual appraisals. Regular team meetings will be held, and staff have access to internal and external training.
Further information
The closing date for applications is Sunday 28th November with interviews Wednesday 3rd December 2025. First day in post would be Tuesday 6th January 2026.
If you need to make an application in an alternative format on the basis of a disability or long-term health condition please email jobs@opfs.org.uk for guidance.
To ensure a fair and effective selection process, we require all applicants to follow the guidance below when submitting their application.
Your cover letter is a critical part of your application. It must:
- Directly demonstrate how you meet the essential experience listed in the job description.
- Provide clear, specific examples of how your experience, skills, behaviours, knowledge and values meet those criteria.
- Demonstrate your understanding of our sector, this role and its requirements, not just your general career history.
- Tailor your cover letter to this specific role – generic or perfunctory cover letters will not be accepted.