An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior management post within Families Outside. This is a key role for a dynamic and passionate individual interested in making a real difference in the lives of families affected by imprisonment. If you are skilled and motivated to take strategic and operational responsibility for the support of children and families and have the skills and experience to lead a team of dedicated staff, among other attributes, we would like to hear from you!

This role is primarily based in our Head Office in Edinburgh but would be feasible for anyone in the central belt.

About the role

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support children and families affected by imprisonment. This senior management post leads the strategic development and implementation of the work of Families Outside’s Family Support team, linking the work of the Regional Managers and Regional Family Support Coordinators, national Helpline, and support to Prison Visitors’ Centres to improve outcomes for children and families throughout Scotland who are affected by imprisonment. The post holder will lead and inspire a team of managers to deliver high quality integrated support within our values framework (Compassion, Integrity, Tenacity, and Expertise). Undertaking and leading on significant projects, providing strategic leadership, and promoting and representing Families Outside are all key components of this challenging role.

About you

You will need a proven relevant track record, possibly gained in a range of sectors where you operated at a senior level with external audiences and engaged with, and influenced, a variety of stakeholders. You will also need demonstrable experience in managing and developing a diverse family support service, working collaboratively to support families caught up in criminal justice processes, significant experience of child and adult protection and trauma-informed practice, and extensive experience of managing staff, students, and volunteers.

Someone who thrives on working collaboratively with others for the good of the business, you will be adept at building a network of good relationships and have an ability to develop a thorough understanding of the organisation and the wider sector quickly. You will be a good listener and positive influencer who communicates clearly, verbally and in writing; is reasonably comfortable with the media and Parliamentary bodies; and, where appropriate, is able to persuade others to change their views, intentions, or actions.

The leadership role of Director of Services is key for the organisation: you will lead a team of 4 – 5 managers, and as a member of the 3-person Senior Management Team will report directly to the CEO. Providing leadership and effective day-to-day management of the Family Support Team, you will ensure that Families Outside is a key contributor to local and national policy and the lead national voice on issues relating to families affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting role for the right applicant. It comes at a time where Families Outside has undertaken a major restructuring programme and is regrouping to make best use of our capacity. This is an exciting time to join the team, where you will have the opportunity to deliver the ambitions of Families Outside on a national and international stage.

Staff Benefits

25 flexible leave days plus 10 public holidays

4% matched contribution workplace pension scheme

Hybrid & flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Laptop and mobile phone for all staff

About Options Fife Lochwood Park

Aberlour Options Fife - Lochwood Park service, based in Kingseat, is a forever home for one young man who has complex needs. Our service is a safe space for not only our young man but for his family to spend meaningful time.

Although there can be behaviours that challenge, it is the small steps of progress that this young person makes daily that makes our work meaningful. We are looking for someone to join our small team, who is a patient and understanding person. These are key skills for this role.

What we are looking for....

As someone who has built up experience working in residential childcare, you will have the confidence to guide and direct the provision of care for our young person.

When on shift, you will play a lead role, mentoring and supporting staff and being a role model, delivering excellence in the services we provide. You will assist in assessing, planning and delivering services, taking responsibility for ensuring that assessment and interventions are prepared, monitored and evaluated.

Engaging positively with our Young Person and their family you will plan and implement appropriate support. Sensitive and accurate reporting is a key responsibility and so you will have good written communication skills and the ability to learn how to use effectively, Aberlour' recording system: Dynamics.

This role offers the opportunity to consolidate and build on your experience combined with the ability to enhance your skills and knowledge through training, for example, in Dyadic Developmental Practice.

As part of the management team you will play an active role in ensuring that shift duties are delegated and completed in accordance with service guidance. You will work 2 x 7.5 hour shifts per week as part of a Residential Rota.

Overnight sleep ins are part of the role, alongside an awake member of night staff.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Aberlour's values are critical and drive everything we do. We will be looking for someone who can demonstrate how Aberlour's values of Respect, Innovation, Integrity and Challenge will be visible in their practice. You must be comfortable working in an environment where Aberlour's values are lived in practice.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an

excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced counsellor to lead and develop our specialist perinatal counselling service, making a real impact across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Pregnancy Counselling and Care (Scotland) is a small, Edinburgh-based charity providing practical and emotional support to individuals and families during pregnancy, early parenthood, or in times of loss. Through our Baby Bank and Counselling Service, we support people when they need it most - ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.

We are currently seeking a Counselling Lead to manage and shape our specialist perinatal counselling service across the Edinburgh & the Lothians. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced counsellor with strong leadership skills who is passionate about supporting others and improving mental health care at a grassroots level.

About the Role

The Counselling Lead is a part time role (21 hours/week), based in a hybrid fashion from home and the Gyle Shopping Centre, the base for our Baby Bank service and one of our counselling rooms, and Dialogue and Space, our other in person counselling rooms in the east of the city.

The Counselling Team includes a part time Counselling Assistant (hybrid role) and a team of (currently) ten counsellors including both qualified practitioners (senior counsellors) and trainees (placement counsellors). The Counselling Lead will manage the counselling service, line managing counselling team and will work closely with the Counselling Assistant to manage the waiting list and allocate them to counsellors appropriate to each client’s needs.

You will also play a vital role in driving forward our strategic priorities:

1. To increase capacity of our Baby Bank and our Counselling Service
2. To improve awareness of all our services and their impact on individuals and families
3. To improve the quality of the services we provide

Job Description

Counselling Delivery and Team Support

• Provide leadership and line management to our counselling team made up of sessional senior counsellors, volunteer and placement counsellors
• Work with the Counselling Assistant to agree allocation of waiting list to counsellors for initial assessments and first appointments
• Support counsellors in their work with clients via line management supervision and regular check ins with placement counsellors, regular senior counsellor team meetings and case discussions as required
• Provide in-person support for placement counsellors at both counselling venues when required, in conjunction with Counselling Assistant and Operations Manager

Counselling Team Recruitment

• Recruit senior counsellors when required, and placement counsellors on a biannual basis, with admin support from the Counselling Assistant
• Provide biannual induction training for placement counsellors and ongoing training opportunities for the team
• Oversee PVG applications for the service, with admin support from the Counselling Assistant

Governance

• Hold day to day responsibility for child and adult protection concerns within the service with support from Operations Manager
• Review counselling policies and procedures, ensuring child and adult protection procedures are followed and service remain in line with COSCA standards
• Ensure counselling premises are suitable for the needs of the service and maintain relationships with in-person space providers

Data Management

• Oversee the use of Bacpac (client management software) by all counsellors and the Counselling Assistant
• Collate statistics from Bacpac and other client feedback routes to report against KPIs

Stakeholder Relationships & Marketing

• Liaise with other referral organisations and other agencies to build up partnerships
• Promote the counselling service through awareness campaigns and creation of resources for referrers and key audiences

Service Development

• Contribute to the operational and strategic development of the counselling service
• Work as a team with all the staff, contributing to team meetings and discussions
• Provide regular reports to Board, liaise with fundraiser and Board members as required
• Liaise with Operations Manager and Baby Bank Development Workers to respond to the needs of the charity

Person Specification

Essential:

• Fully qualified counsellor with a minimum of 200 hours of client work
• Full membership to COSCA or BACP or other recognised governing body
• Willingness to work to COSCA Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice
• Current PVG membership or willingness to join the PVG scheme
• Experience in
  • Handling child and adult protection concerns and disclosures
  • Providing online and in person counselling
• Comfortable with Excel, databases, and general IT use
• Experience in training delivery or event coordination
• Strong team leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication, workload and people management skills
• A proactive and positive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility regarding specific hours worked, and attitude to activities undertaken
• A passion to support others experiencing difficulties in their lives

Desirable:

• Experience of line management supervision, preferably in a counselling context
• Clinical supervisor qualification
• Counselling experience and / or knowledge of pregnancy and early parenting-related issues
• Experience writing content for social media

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.

We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years.

A bit about the role

We’re excited to announce our new Scottish Government funded programme, set to launch in April 2025. This initiative aims to deliver inclusive voluntary throughcare services across the country for individuals serving short-term sentences or transitioning post-remand, encompassing men, women, and young people.

The programme's core lies in a collaborative and relationship-based partnership model, ensuring a holistic approach to support individuals in achieving positive outcomes for themselves and their communities. By focusing on improving reintegration and overall well-being, the initiative ultimately seeks to enhance lives and reduce re-offending rates.

Operated through a Pod model, the service will bring together staff from various partner organisations to cater to specific geographical regions. Each Pod will be overseen by a manager from one of the partner organisations, fostering a cohesive approach to service provision. Additionally, formal line management will be under the purview of an Action for Children manager, ensuring structured support and guidance.

We’re looking for a Community Worker in what will be a dynamic role, making a real meaningful difference in the lives of many. We’ll be requiring flexibility and dedication beyond standard business hours. The commitment to working during evenings and weekends highlights the programme's dedication to meeting the diverse needs of young people and fostering a supportive environment for all involved.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of a Community Worker role are;

• Collaborative Pre-Release Planning: Work with prison staff to create robust pre-release plans, including three-way handovers.
• Utilise Pre-Release Tools: Engage through face-to-face contact, email correspondence, and multi-agency meetings.
• Family-Centred Approach: Collaborate with Families Outside partner to support individuals and their families.
• Effective Working Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external colleagues for the best outcomes.
• Information Sharing: Share information with key stakeholders to support multi-agency collaboration.
• Onward Referrals and Service Endings: Identify suitable referrals and ensure smooth service transitions.

Let's talk about you

• Whilst no qualification is required for this role, experience or knowledge of the challenges faced by people involved in the Justice system, experiencing addiction, or homelessness would be great.
• You’ll build positive relationships with people supported and wider stakeholders (including partnership working – statutory and third sector).
• Trauma informed practice and managing a complex context
• Solution focused, finding innovative ways to respond to challenges.
• Prepare and implement dynamic risk management plans and applying Safeguarding processes
• Driving licence and access to a car are essential as the role covers a wide geographical area. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.