Family Support Assistant, Glasgow

Family Support 

•  Provide practical and emotional support to single parents and their children in line with OPFS values, policies, and family support processes.
• Assist with the delivery of one-to-one and group-based interventions that promote wellbeing, resilience, confidence, and positive family relationships.
• Support families to identify their strengths, goals, and support needs, and assist them to access relevant services and opportunities within their communities.
• Encourage and support single parents to build social connections, reduce isolation, and engage in peer support opportunities.

Group Work and Community Activities 

• Support the planning, organisation, promotion, and delivery of a range of group programmes, workshops, family activities, and community events.
• Prepare resources, venues, materials, and refreshments required for activities and events.
• Encourage participation from single parents and children and contribute to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
• Assist with holiday programmes, family learning opportunities, wellbeing activities, and peer support initiatives.

Information, Advice and Signposting 

• Provide information about OPFS services and local support available to single parent families.
• Signpost and refer families to internal and external services where additional support is required, including financial inclusion, employability, housing, health, and wellbeing services.
• Support families to access opportunities that improve their confidence, skills, wellbeing, and financial circumstances.

Outreach and Engagement 

• Assist with outreach activities aimed at increasing awareness of OPFS services and engaging families who may benefit from support.
• Represent OPFS at community events, partnership meetings, and local networking opportunities as required.
• Promote the participation and voice of single parents in the development and delivery of services.

Partnership Working 

• Build and maintain positive relationships with community organisations, schools, health services, and partner agencies.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to improve outcomes and create opportunities for single parent families.

Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with organisational policies, data protection, and safeguarding requirements.
• Collect and record attendance, outcomes, feedback, and case studies to support monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and evidencing service impact.

Health, Safety and Safeguarding 

• Comply with OPFS policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality, diversity, inclusion, health and safety, and data protection.
• Promote the wellbeing and safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, undertaking mandatory training and following organisational guidance at all times.

General Responsibilities 

• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, training, and development opportunities.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the Regional Coordinator.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• SCQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of working with children, families, or vulnerable individuals in a community, voluntary sector, education, health, or social care setting.
• Experience of supporting the delivery of group activities, workshops, programmes, or events.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and undertaking administrative tasks.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Essential Knowledge and Skills 

• Understanding of the issues affecting single parent families and the impact of poverty and social exclusion.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and partner agencies.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Competent IT and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative when required.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.

Personal Qualities and Attributes 

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of the service.
• Reliable and well organised.
• Positive and solution-focused approach.
• Non-judgemental and respectful in working with families.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Commitment to upholding the values and mission of OPFS.

Desirable

• Experience of working with single parent families.
• Knowledge of local services and community resources.
• Experience of supporting family support, parenting, wellbeing, or peer support programmes.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Knowledge of the Scottish policy context affecting children and families.

• Confirmation of appointment: Permanent contract.  Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probationary period, two references and a PVG check.
• Salary: Grade Point SP 9 -11 SP 9 -11 £24,834 – £27,318 (pro rata for part time)
• Hours of work: 25 hours per week, worked flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
• Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days and 12 Public holidays (pro rata for 25 hours)
• Pension: You will be auto enrolled in our pension scheme with a 3% contribution from you and 7% contribution from OPFS.
• 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.