Do you have a passion for supporting families during challenging times? Are you committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Family Support Worker to join our team. This vital role is based within the [name of prison], focusing on supporting families during prison visits and in the visits hall.
About the Role: as a Family Support Worker, you will:
Welcome families and visitors, providing a warm and friendly environment during their visit.
Offer emotional support and practical advice to families, helping them navigate the challenges of having
a loved one in prison.
Facilitate positive family interactions within the visits hall, promoting a child-friendly and respectful atmosphere.
Provide information on available services and resources for families affected by imprisonment.
Work collaboratively with prison staff, external agencies, and other team members to ensure the best outcomes for families.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
Has experience in a support or advocacy role, ideally working with families or vulnerable groups.
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Is empathetic, non-judgmental, and resilient in challenging situations.
Understands the impact of imprisonment on families, particularly children.
Is organised, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
What We Offer
A rewarding role where you can make a real difference.
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
A supportive and inclusive work environment.
- To work collaboratively with the Visitors' Centre service by aiding and support where required.
- To support the delivery of services that provide a safe and welcoming place for the children of prisoners, by helping to provide play opportunities in the Visitors' Centre, facilitate play sessions in the visit hall when required and enrichment activities such as homework clubs, baby groups and children only visits.
- To be able to oversee other aspects of the children's services including sessional risk assessments, the provision and maintenance of safe and clean toys, books, materials, and the play area facilities.
- Recording all contacts and outcomes in accordance with the Barnardos systems and systems within the establishment
- To support the team with developing and delivering activities for strengthening family relationships such as family days, homework clubs, play activities, peer support groups etc.
- To coordinate plan and delivery the running of family days as required to include the preparation and assisting in the selection process. To provide an agreed number of family days which will be themed either on weekdays during school holidays or weekends for prisoners and their families. Support the service to deliver and high-quality facilitated play/activities appropriate for the age ranges attending the family days. Days and times to be agreed with the establishment.
- Welsh language skills are desirable. We welcome applications from Welsh speakers and learners, as the ability to communicate in Welsh is valued and may enhance the support provided to families across North Wales.
- A commitment to always maintaining professional boundaries and working within Barnardo's policies, safeguarding procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.
- An understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice, including supporting families to access services in their preferred language where possible.
This is an 18.5-hour post that works every other weekend
Week 1 (Working Weekend)
Week 2 (Not Working Weekend)
*Alternate working to work Friday when Family day
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
values
People & Culture
Workplace Offer: What it means for you
- The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
- Service related sick pay from day 1
- Cycle2work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
- Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer
*T&C's apply based on contract
- Reference number:23468
- Job Title:Family Support Worker
- Location:HMP Berwyn
- Contract type:Permanent
- Hours:18.5
- Salary:£26,003 (FTE)
- Closing Date:28 August 2026
- Interview Date:To be confirmed
Benefits
Vacancy Alerts
Additional Info
- Information Sheet for Applicants Applying for Positions Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults - Welsh (updated July 2021).pdf (103.82 KB)
- Information Sheet for Applicants Applying for Positions Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults (updated July 2021).pdf (107.00 KB)
- Barnardo's Workplace Offer Visual Summary.pdf (27.58 KB)
- Project Worker 1 - Job Description and Person Specification (Welsh).pdf (130.66 KB)
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy Dec 2024.pdf (164.07 KB)
- Project Worker 1 - Children's Services - Job Description and Person Specification.pdf (118.81 KB)