Child-Focused Family Visits Practitioner (Prison)

Forward Trust; Full Sutton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Forward Trust’s Connections Team at HMP Millsike is recruiting a Part Time Family and Relationships Practitioner (Children’s Specialist). You will support children visiting loved ones in prison through safe play, emotional development activities and compassionate, child-centred guidance.

The role focuses on creating a welcoming environment, reducing anxiety for children and strengthening family connections within a prison context. 17.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Caring and compassionate approach to children and families.
• Patient and empathetic when engaging with distressed or anxious children.
• Ability to create a warm, welcoming environment for visiting children.
• Understanding of play's role in emotional, social and developmental wellbeing.
• Excellent communication with children, families and colleagues.
• Inclusive approach respecting diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, warm play environment for children visiting family members.
• Provide age-appropriate play activities to support creativity and development.
• Help children feel comfortable and settled during visits to reduce anxiety.
• Facilitate positive interactions between children and loved ones to strengthen bonds.
• Ensure play activities are inclusive and accessible to all children.
• Offer child-centered support for emotions before, during or after visits.
• Observe engagement and wellbeing and seek additional support if needed.
• Collaborate with the Connections Team to deliver family and relationship services.
• Communicate sensitively with children and families to ensure a positive visiting experience.
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow safeguarding policies.

Skills

Caring

Patience

Empathy

Play-based approach

Strong communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding awareness

Job description

Forward Trust’s Connections Team at HMP Millsike is recruiting a Part Time Family and Relationships Practitioner (Children’s Specialist). You will support children visiting loved ones in prison through safe play, emotional development activities and compassionate, child-centred guidance.

The role focuses on creating a welcoming environment, reducing anxiety for children and strengthening family connections within a prison context. 17.5 hours per week.