Child and Family Support Worker

Are you passionate about supporting children and families? Do you have good listening skills, empathy and want to make a difference? The Isle of Wight Prison Family Visiting and Support Service (PVFSS) provides support, information and practical advice and help to families visiting loved ones in prison in HMP Isle of Wight. The service opens Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and offers a range of activities and support to families visiting the prison and to encourage and support family members who are in prison to maintain relationships with their children. We are looking for a small number of as and when workers to join our team. You will:

• Provide advice, support and information to families visiting the prison
• Support the running of the visitor centre, ensuring we offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment
• Help to plan and run activities for children and families, including play sessions and fun days
• Respond to questions and enquiries in a professional and trauma-informed manner
• Work with other members of the team to ensure everything we do is safe, accessible and meets the requirements of prison policies and procedures.
You will receive full training and support, with regular supervision and team meetings. Working arrangements: The role is based at the visitor centre at HMP Isle of Wight. You will work at the centre, and once you are fully trained, within the prison itself. As this is a secure environment, you will need to meet the requirements of Barnardo's recruitment and also prison recruitment vetting checks. This role is offered on an as and when basis, and hours will be offered as they become available. Due to the nature of the role and the environment you will be working in, please read the Additional Information Sheet provided alongside the Job Description carefully. We welcome questions and are happy to discuss the role prior to application. Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible