Sessional Contact Supervisor

London Borough of Newham; The Village; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Local authority pension scheme

Training, supervision and support

Job summary

London Borough of Newham is seeking Contact Supervisors to oversee and support contact sessions for children and families involved in proceedings. The role emphasizes safeguarding, empathy, and professional conduct in sensitive environments.

Expected to work up to 20 hours per week across Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00, with a competitive hourly rate and holiday pay. Training, supervision and support are provided to ensure high standards of care.

Qualifications

• Direct experience working with children and families required.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge essential.
• Ability to work across times including Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00.
• Adherence to confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Observe and facilitate contacts between children and families involved in proceedings.
• Supervise sessions in the centre, via video links, or in the community.
• Write contact reports with accurate observations and recordings.
• Manage risk and intervene to safeguard children.
• Liaise with social workers, guardians and other agencies to support outcomes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Observational skills

Empathy / emotional intelligence

Calm under pressure

Record keeping / reporting

Safeguarding knowledge

Problem solving

Child-centered approach

Team collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 2+ in relevant field

Social work / child care qualifications desirable

Job description

Contact Supervisor (sessional)
Family contact centre
£16.13 ph upon passing probation this will rise to £16.83 plus holiday pay.
Zero hour contract (Candidate expected to provide up to 20 hours per week across weekdays and Saturday)
Closing date: 09/10/2026

Applicants need direct experience working with Children and families to be shortlisted

We are seeking Contact Supervisors to oversee and support contact sessions for children and families involved in proceedings. The ideal candidate will possess strong safeguarding knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. You will be responsible for supervising and facilitating contact between children and their families, ensuring that sessions are safe, positive, and in line with legal and welfare guidelines.

The role requires a strong understanding of child protection procedures, the ability to manage challenging behaviours, and a commitment to promoting the well-being of children. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, proactive, and able to maintain clear and accurate records while working collaboratively with social workers, families, and legal professionals to support the best outcomes for children and families in proceedings. Candidate must be able to offer up to 20 hours a week and be available to work across Monday – Saturday 10 - 6pm.

Benefits of joining us include:

• Competitive rate of pay
• Holiday pay and option to join the local authority pension scheme
• Training, supervision and support

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Observe and facilitate contacts between children and families who are in proceedings and or the care of the local authority.
• Managing risk and intervening as necessary to safeguard children
• Supervise contacts within the centre, via video links and or in the community
• Write contact reports to an agreed format making accurate observations and recordings of each session
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Children and working as part of a team.

Experience:

• Proven experience working with children and families, particularly in child protection or family support services.
• Strong understanding of child protection policies.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, collaborating with social workers, Guardians and other agencies.
• Experience working with children and families, ideally gained as a Child Contact Supervisor.
• Knowledge and experience of child development and parenting is essential.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.
• Strong observational skills to assess and report on contact sessions objectively and accurately.
• High level of empathy and emotional intelligence to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle challenging behaviours constructively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for maintaining accurate records and managing case files.
• Understanding of safeguarding practices, confidentiality, and professional boundaries in a child protection context.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle conflicts or difficult situations effectively.
• A non-judgmental, child-centered approach focused on promoting positive outcomes for children and families.
• Good communication and report writing skills to accurately document observations and provide clear, concise reports.

Qualifications and Additional Requirements:

• NVQ Level 2 or above in a relevant qualification related to working with children and families.
• Relevant qualifications in social work, child care, or a related field are desirable.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable groups.
• All applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS and an annual Childcare Disqualification Disclosure.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions)(Amendment) Order 1986 We would draw your attention to the following statement: "Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986. Applications are, therefore, not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are 'spent' under the provisions of the Act".

Job Type: Zero hour contract

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.