Contact Support Worker (NJE GR 4) - Social Care Non-Qualified

Job Description: Contact Support Worker – Children's Services

Client: Nottinghamshire County Council

Service Area: Contact Support Service

Driving Requirements: Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle

Experience Required: Minimum of one year's experience working with children and/or young people

Qualification: QCF Level 3 (previously NVQ Level 3) in Social Care, Child Care or an equivalent qualification. Applicants working towards the qualification may be considered.

About the Role

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking a caring, reliable and motivated Contact Support Worker to join its Contact Support Service.

The successful candidate will facilitate supervised contact sessions between children and young people aged 0–17 and their parents, family members or carers. The role is essential in helping children maintain family relationships while ensuring their safety, welfare and emotional needs remain the priority.

You will be responsible for arranging and supervising contact sessions, transporting and escorting children between locations, maintaining accurate records and reporting any safeguarding concerns promptly.

This role requires a flexible and professional individual who can build positive relationships with children, families and professionals while maintaining appropriate boundaries and following agreed contact arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Arrange, coordinate and make changes to contact sessions efficiently in response to service requirements.

Organise transport and contact arrangements, liaising with parents, carers, social workers and other professionals.

Collect and escort children and young people to and from foster placements, schools, children's centres, nurseries, crèches and other designated venues.

Supervise contact sessions between children, young people and their parents or family members, ensuring the child's welfare remains the priority.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ensure compliance with agreed contact arrangements and contact agreements.

Observe and identify interactions, behaviours and significant events during contact sessions.

Recognise, record and promptly report safeguarding concerns or breaches of contact agreements to the appropriate manager.

Complete accurate and timely contact notes and reports in line with council policies and procedures.

Attend and contribute to professional meetings concerning children and young people where required.

Provide appropriate guidance, advice and support to parents and carers to promote positive interactions.

Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment, including cleaning play equipment and maintaining resources.

Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support positive outcomes for children and families.

Attend court when required to provide factual evidence as part of care proceedings.

Essential Skills and Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

At least one year's experience working with children and/or young people.

A sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Knowledge of child development, attachment and the emotional needs of children.

An understanding of positive parenting, family relationships and appropriate behaviour management strategies.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, parents and carers.

Strong observation skills and the ability to identify and report concerns appropriately.

Good written communication skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing tasks.

The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

A calm, patient, caring and non-judgmental approach.

A commitment to confidentiality, equality, diversity and safeguarding.

Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.

Education and Qualifications

GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent.

QCF Level 3 qualification in Social Care or Child Care, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates working towards this qualification may be considered.

A willingness to complete training relevant to the role.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

Compassionate, patient and child-focused.

Professional, dependable and well organised.

Confident in managing sensitive family situations.

Able to maintain professional boundaries and remain impartial.

Committed to protecting children and promoting their safety and well-being.

Respectful of different backgrounds, cultures and family circumstances