Assistant Family Support Worker, Edinburgh
Last updated: 27/08/2026
Key info
Post: Assistant Family Support Worker
Hours: 12 hours per week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday OR Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Salary: Grade Point 9 Salary: £24,111 FTE (£8,266.63 pro rata for 12 hours per week). Fixed term 31st March 2027
Location: 2 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EP
Closing date: Friday 11 September at 12pm
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. Our core values of Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion are at the heart of everything we do and underpin all aspects of our work.
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. A core part of this role will be planning and facilitating our weekly stay and play at McDonald Road library.
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
Key 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.
The job 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 jobs change and evolve over time.
Personal specifications
Desirable Skills and Experience
- 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.
- Experience in outreach work within diverse communities.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Familiarity with support services in Edinburgh
Personal Attributes
- Empathetic and approachable, with a genuine commitment to supporting families.
- Organised and proactive, with good problem-solving skills and excellent organisational and planning skills
- Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of families and the service.
Terms and conditions
- Confirmation of Appointment: Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probationary period, two references and a PVG check.
- Hours of work: 12 hours
- Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days and 12 Public holidays (pro rata)
- Pension: You will be auto enrolled in our pension scheme with a 3% contribution from you and 7% contribution from OPFS
- This position combines community-based work with office-based responsibilities at our Edinburgh office, located at 2 York Place
- 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.
- Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment: OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors in People GOLD status.
- Recruitment Timetable: The closing date for applications is Friday 11th September at 12pm.
Interviews will be held week commencing 14th September 2026, with an aim for the successful post-holder to start work in October.
Further information
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.