Early Years Scotland is looking for an exceptional person to work within the EYS Family Visitor Centre at HMP Low Moss, East Dunbartonshire.

The Co-ordinator will facilitate, manage, and oversee the running of the Family Visitor Centre, line manage a Family Engagement Practitioner, a Family Support Worker and co-ordinate the contribution of volunteers. They will liaise and work alongside prison staff and community-based organisations to develop the provision and the services available to visitors to ensure the three core functions:

• Improve the visits experience for people visiting their family member or loved ones in prison.
• Allow families to access independent and impartial advice, information and support, which meets their needs.
• Voice the needs of families affected by imprisonment to the prison they work alongside.

The Early Years Scotland team will provide a range of services, advice, support and information as required to suit the needs of the children and families in their visits and in their daily lives.

Post Details (all pay and allowances are pro-rata and subject to continued funding)

• 30 hours per week over 52 weeks per annum (includes 1 weekend in 3, 1 – 4.30pm and evening work 12.30pm – 7.30pm)
• Salary starting at £27,360 FTE per annum
• Fixed Term to 31 March 2025 (subject to continued funding)
• 20 days annual leave in the first year of service rising to 30 days thereafter
• 12 public holidays per year

A range of staff benefits including:

• Provision of regular professional learning sessions on a range of topics relevant to your post
• 5% employer pension contribution from 3 months’ service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid sick leave entitlement on a service-related increasing scale
• Support for professional learning qualifications
• Enhanced maternity/adoption leave pay for eligible staff

Applicants must have relevant professional qualification (e.g., health or social care, management or other) with relevant experience for the role.

If you believe in children having the best start in life, then this could be the rare opportunity you’ve been looking for!

Who are we and what do we do?

Early Years Scotland is Scotland’s leading national Third Sector specialist organisation that supports our youngest children from pre-birth to 5 years of age.

Our fully qualified early years Family Engagement Practitioners work directly with children and their families to deliver our unique EYS Stay Play and Learn sessions in a variety of settings including nurseries, community halls, schools and prisons. We work increasingly in prisons, and areas where there are children and families who have the greatest need and will benefit most from our services.

We have been established for over 55 years, and we are very proud of our long and ever-growing track record in supporting Scotland’s youngest children to have the very best start in life.

What does the job involve?

Your key responsibilities will include leading a team of staff in the development, delivery and evaluation of early intervention and prevention community services for young children pre-birth-5 years and their families, providing management and leadership, managing budgets and fully participating as an active member of the management team.

We will welcome your application if you have

• a relevant degree level qualification with a focus on children in their early years (e.g. BA Childhood Practice)
• excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write clear, succinct and evaluative text
• experience of leading and managing staff teams and projects
• substantive experience working with young children pre-birth-5 years and their families
• a full, current driving licence and your own transport as some travel may be required

In return….

We offer a highly competitive salary, a range of employee benefits, excellent professional development opportunities and the chance to be truly instrumental in making a difference to the lives of young children across Scotland.