You do not need any particular qualifications to work as a Supported Child Contact Centre Co-ordinator, but co-ordinator training and annual safeguarding training will be mandatory once you start work. You will also need to complete the mandatory NACCC training programme. You should have appropriate qualifications and/or experience in working directly with parents or children. A knowledge of child development and good team-working skills would be helpful. Many supported child contact centres are open at weekends so the ability to work weekends and unsocial hours would be helpful.
If you want to apply to be a Supervised Child Contact Centre Contact Worker, undertaking supervision of contact, then you must be able to demonstrate that you have an appropriate vocational or academic qualification. The minimum requirement is an NVQ Level 3 in Child or Social Care with GSCE English and Maths Grade C or above. The following skills, experience and personal qualities are also likely to be either essential or desirable:
- Understanding of family dynamics, the impact on children and parents of family breakdown and current related issues.
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Family Law, in particular as it relates to separated families and the provision of contact.
- Ability to make detailed observations and provide accurate reports.
- Demonstrable competence in identifying need and assisting in support of an overall programme of intervention and casework.
- Knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection, with an understanding of key risk factors.
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of the (Local Authority) Designated Officer.
- Capacity to anticipate, diffuse and manage conflict.
- Knowledge and understanding of other related initiatives and fields, e.g. adult mental health, parenting techniques, domestic violence, family law.
- Ability to work closely and non-judgementally with other people, showing an understanding of boundaries and a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory working.
- Excellent communication skills with all ages and ability to provide clear, written information.
- Ability to deal sensitively with people under stress.
- IT skills.
- Positive attitude towards training and development.
- Willingness to work flexibly and outside office hours.
If you want to apply to be a Supervised Child Contact Centre Co-ordinator a formal qualification is desirable (Dip.SW,CQSW or other recognised social work qualification). The following skills, experience, and personal qualities are also likely to be either essential or desirable.
- Minimum of three years’ experience working with children or caring for children within a statutory setting.
- Experience in child-centred work with specific knowledge/and or experience in fostering, adoption, teaching or family work.
- Experience of managing a team of volunteers and staff.
- Experience of reporting to a board and/or committee.
- Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of the impact of race, culture and religion on families and children.
- Good understanding of safeguarding procedures and processes.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- An understanding of parental and carer conflict following family breakdown.
- Ability to support families with signposting to appropriate agencies.
- Ability to work directly with traumatised children in a sensitive and supportive manner.
- Excellent recording and report-writing skills.
- Ability to lead and develop a team through regular support.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- A commitment to the welfare of the child as a priority in the work and decision-making.
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
- Ability to work flexibly in accordance to the needs of the role.
