JOB DESCRIPTION YOUTH AND FAMILY OUTREACH WORKER Young People Affected by Family Alcohol and Drug Use

Post Title: Youth and Family Outreach Worker

Project: East Lothian Project

Contract Type: Fixed Term Funded until 31 March 2027 (with a possible extension to 31 March 2028)

Funder: Corra Foundation The Way Forward for Families Fund

Hours: Part-time 18 hours per week

Salary Scale: Pro-rata £29362 - £34032 (Scale Point 12-17)

Location: Prestonpans Community Centre

Hybrid Working Available: Yes

Accountable to: Project Manager

Driving Licence and Own Car Required – Yes, Given the need to access travel between

locations and within the community, a full driving licence and access to a car are essential for

this role

Purpose

Funded by Corra Foundation’s The Way Forward for Families Fund and working in partnership with East Lothian Council Children’s Services and Mid & East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership, the purpose of this post is to provide support to children and young people affected by parental drug and/or alcohol use. Recognising children’s rights, as guided by the UNCRC (article 12) is vital to this role, and is influenced by Circle’s whole family support and the “Grow Your Own routes” model set out by Scottish Families Affected by Drugs (SFAD)

The Youth and Family Worker aims to ensure that young people affected by substance use are visible, have a voice and are empowered to effect change. The support aims to reduce harm, and the impact of substance use on young people and their family by offering strengths-based and co-produced one-to-one, peer, advocacy and group work in youth and community settings.

It is expected that the post holder will do some occasional evening work.

Key Responsibilities

• To identify engage and work alongside young people aged 12–26-year-old affected by family alcohol and drug use.

• Collaborate with young people and their parents/carers and loved ones by co-designing and providing them with a co-developed programme of support.

To work with young people and their parents/carers and loved ones on a one-to-one basis as appropriate, addressing specific issues relating to alcohol and drug use in their families. Providing advice and guidance, and signposting and referring onto other agencies as required.

• To support young people and their parents/carers and loved ones to develop coping skills, resilience and strategies to reduce the negative impact of other’s substance use.

• To support young people’s emotional development, helping them to increase their selfesteem, including helping young people to identify and build their strengths.

• To facilitate opportunities for young people with peers and family members to strengthen relationships through ‘safe space’ peer groups and whole family activities.

• To actively promote family recovery and family inclusive practice, including working to an evidence base e.g. CRAFT and increasing family resources.

• To record, monitor and evaluate all work

• Participate actively in supervision, team meetings and training opportunities as appropriate

• To contribute to the promotion and development of the project and Circle’s work and of services in East Lothian

• To liaise with other agencies and work in partnership with them to meet the needs of the children and their families

• Work in line with Circle’s policies and procedures, with particular attention to child protection, equal opportunities, anti-discriminatory practice, and user participation.

• Support families to address specific issues relating to inequalities around alcohol and drug use

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended in response to organisational needs. The postholder is expected to undertake any other duties appropriate to the level and nature of the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A professional qualification in youth and community work, social work, social care, education or health

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Direct experience of working with young people in a rights and strengths-based way

• Knowledge of a range of interventions for supporting young people, one to one, peer, advocacy and group work

• Experience of working in partnership with a range of other agencies

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team

• Good understanding of child development, attachment, and the impact of trauma and adversity on young people and families.

• Knowledge of the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework, the related SHANARRI wellbeing indicators and family inclusive practice.

Commitment to equal opportunities, anti-discriminatory practice, and meaningful involvement of families in shaping support.

• An understanding of co-production and user participation of activities, programmes and materials

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to develop effective relationships with young people

• Capacity to support social work students on placement with Circle.

• Ability to record, monitor, and evaluate work accurately.

• Effective planning, time management, and prioritisation skills.

• Ability to build self-esteem and effect positive change in young people

• Ability to work within, and maintain, clear professional boundaries.

• Good assessment and risk management skills.

A Note to Candidates

Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that people can be put off applying if they don’t tick every box. At Circle, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace—so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every point, we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly the right person for this role or another opportunity with us.