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 Childcare Connector will contribute to the organisation’s vision of a Scotland in which single parents and their children are valued and treated equally and fairly, by supporting the delivery of various components which contribute to the Edinburgh service, including proactively supporting single parents to find, secure and access flexible childcare that meets their needs, allowing single parents to progress within their current employment, enter employment or enrol in education or training.

The role will include direct work with single parents to understand their needs, their current childcare limitations, and their current barriers to work, education or training. Liaising with childcare providers within Edinburgh, helping single parents access flexible childcare options and know and understand flexible payment options at local and national level is a key element of this role. This role will include networking and events to promote the Childcare Connector service and will include outreach work with single parents, stakeholders, and partners in and around Edinburgh.

Equal opportunities and family friendly employment

OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Gold status.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Support Single Parents: support single parents to understand the different forms of early years childcare, education and wrap around care that they can access and inform and empower single parents on the best form or combination of childcare for their needs and how it can be funded. Liaise with different providers of childcare in communities across Edinburgh to support effective transitions for parents going into employment, education, or training. Promote the services available through OPFS by developing trusting relationships with single parents through the provision of 1:1 support and providing information, advice and guidance.
• Family Support Work: Identify community resources and local services and assist single parents to engage with other agencies. To facilitate the delivery of groups and events. Support single parents to develop their confidence, practical skills, self-esteem and to feel empowered and informed. Work with parents to identify wider support needs and refer to other support services where appropriate. Support families using the OPFS My Life and Me framework to ensure a holistic offering of support for single parents.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain confidential information, complete all appropriate client paperwork as per our Family Support process. Record and document meetings and support provided to single parents. Use appropriate databases as required by OPFS and the post funder, complete quarterly reports, case studies and maintain a high level of data recording to record, monitor and evaluate targets as set by the funder.
• Any other relevant duties as requested by the Regional Co-ordinator.

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 Family Support Assistant will play an important role in delivering the OPFS Support for Families Service, working alongside Family Support Workers and the wider team to ensure single parent families receive high-quality, accessible support. Working within the OPFS “My Life and Me” framework, the postholder will assist with family support activities, group programmes, events, outreach work, and practical support to help families achieve positive outcomes.

The role will contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive service, supporting single parents and their children to access information, opportunities, and services that enhance their wellbeing, resilience, confidence, and social connections.

Our Support for Families Service delivers holistic support for single parents and their children, guided by the OPFS six “My Life and Me” priority areas: Money, Health & Wellbeing, Home, Work, Education & Training, Children, and Relationships. Through a person-centred and strengths-based approach, we provide:

Money

• Support families to access information and signposting to maximise income, improve financial wellbeing, access benefits and grants, and connect with specialist financial inclusion services.

Health & Wellbeing

• Assist in the delivery of activities and programmes that promote positive mental health, emotional wellbeing, confidence building, resilience and opportunities for peer support and social connection.

Home

• Provide practical support and signposting to help families access housing-related information, advocacy services, and specialist support where required.

Work, Education & Training

• Support the delivery of employability, volunteering, skills development, and learning opportunities that help single parents progress towards education, training, and employment goals.

Children

• Assist with family support activities and group programmes that promote positive outcomes for children, strengthen family relationships, support child development, and encourage participation in activities that enhance wellbeing.

Relationships

• Support the development of positive peer networks and community connections through one-to-one support, group activities, and events that reduce isolation and help families build supportive relationships.

Equal opportunities and family friendly employment

OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Gold status.