Are you an experienced leader with a passion for improving outcomes for Scotland’s youngest children and their families? Early Years Scotland is seeking a dynamic and committed Service Manager to lead and grow our early intervention and prevention services, champion high quality practice, and contribute to sector wide professional learning.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will provide leadership to staff delivering community based early years and family support programmes, ensuring safe, trauma responsive and high quality practice. You will manage performance, risk and compliance, oversee budgets, and support strategic planning.

A key part of the role will include designing, delivering and quality assuring professional learning for EYS members, partners (including ELC settings) and internal teams. You will use digital platforms to create, host and evaluate engaging learning content aligned with national frameworks.

Early Years Scotland is a registered charity and Scotland’s leading national specialist organisation dedicated to supporting our youngest children, from pre-birth to age five. With over 50 years of experience as a Third Sector organisation, we take immense pride in our long-standing commitment to those who work for and on behalf of Scotland’s youngest children.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and develop staff teams, providing professional supervision and supporting a culture of reflective practice
• Design and deliver high-quality professional learning, facilitation and CPD to a range of audiences including practitioners, leaders and partner organisations
• Manage projects and services, ensuring risk, compliance and safe delivery for children and families
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of programmes using data and evidence
• Build and maintain effective relationships with partner agencies, local authorities and national and regulatory bodies
• Create and develop learning resources and content (digital and face-to-face)
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning and quality management
• Provide written reports and represent the organisation locally and nationally

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience of line managing, coaching and developing staff teams
• Experience managing projects and services, including risk and compliance
• Strong track record of working collaboratively with partner agencies
• Experience supporting families experiencing adversity, including trauma-informed approaches
• Experience monitoring and evaluating programme impact using data and evidence
• Up to date knowledge of ELC policy, legislation and frameworks (e.g. SSSC Codes, The Promise, Realising the Ambition, GIRFEC, National Standard for Funded Providers)
• Knowledge of child development and how children learn

What Early Years Scotland will offer:

• Competitive salary and generous annual leave
• Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
• 5% employer pension contribution after 3 months
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing professional learning and development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
• Hybrid working options following successful probation.

Join Early Years Scotland (EYS) new Family Support Service (FSS) at HMP Dumfries!

Are you a passionate, confident, and supportive individual looking to make a real difference? We are seeking a Family Support Worker to lead sessions at our new EYS FSS at HMP Dumfries.

Why This Role Matters:

Families affected by imprisonment face numerous emotional, financial, and practical challenges. They often struggle to find the support and information they need. Our EYS FSS is dedicated to transforming the visit experience for children, families, and friends by creating a welcoming and positive environment. We aim to reduce stress, build confidence, and provide comprehensive support to those whose lives are impacted by imprisonment.

Your Impact:

As a Family Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for families and children.

Your responsibilities will include:

Enhancing the visiting experience: Make visits to loved ones in prison more positive and less stressful.

Providing essential support: Offer independent and impartial advice, information, and support tailored to families' needs.

Advocating for families: Champion the needs of families within the prison system.

What You'll Do:

Connect positively with visitors, offering one-to-one support and valuable information.

Collaborate with community-based services to develop and enhance the service.

Work closely with Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff to ensure a supportive and positive environment.

Receive ongoing support from the EYS Head of Prisons and Safeguarding.

Why Apply?

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of families affected by imprisonment. If you are motivated, confident, and ready to support others, we want to hear from you!

Post Details

• 17.5 hours per week over 52 weeks per annum
• Thursday – 1.30pm – 4.30pm
• Friday – 1.30pm – 4.30pm
• Saturday – 9 – 1pm
• Sunday – 9 – 1pm
• Admin work – 3 ½ hrs working from home
• £13,099 pro-rata per annum (£26,199 FTE); £14.39 per hour (Point 24 on scale 24-26)
• 25 days Annual Leave in the first year rising to 30 days thereafter
• 12 public holidays per annum
• PVG Scheme membership will be required

Salary, allowances and entitlements are pro-rata to hours worked.

There are a range of staff benefits including 5% pension contribution, access to Employee Assistance Programme, professional learning opportunities, family friendly and wellbeing policies and others.

This post is funded by the Scottish Government until 31 March 2027 (subject to continued funding).