Youth Worker & Family Support Officer

Company: Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity
Apply for the Youth Worker & Family Support Officer
Location: City of Edinburgh
Job Description:

About the Role

No child should face hospital alone. Are you passionate about supporting young people through life’s toughest moments? We’re looking for a compassionate and creative Young People and Family Support Officer to join our Children’s Wellbeing Service and help shape a new approach to wellbeing care in hospital. If you thrive in emotionally complex environments, love building meaningful relationships, and want to make a real difference to children, young people and families, this could be the role for you.

Responsibilities

  • Support children and young people experiencing distress and trauma, helping them feel safe, heard, and empowered.
  • Build strong relationships with families and hospital staff to identify those most in need of support.
  • Deliver creative wellbeing activities using evidence‑based approaches such as the PACE model and ECHC’s bespoke Changemaker and Gamechanger programmes.
  • Champion the rights of children and young people, ensuring they feel informed, included, and in control throughout their hospital journey.
  • Signpost and advocate for connecting families with relevant services, and speak up on their behalf when needed.
  • Evaluate impact by gathering data and feedback to help shape the future of our wellbeing services.

Qualifications – Must Haves

  • Proven experience supporting children, young people, and families, working directly with those who need it most.
  • Strong communicator with excellent listening skills.
  • Self‑starter and team player who can prioritise effectively, take initiative, and collaborate to meet shared goals.
  • Resilient and grounded, remaining calm and compassionate even in emotionally challenging and traumatic situations.
  • Professional and approachable, with an understanding of setting and maintaining healthy, respectful boundaries.

Nice to Haves

  • Understanding of trauma‑informed approaches and a compassionate, sensitive response to children and families’ experiences.
  • Experience in co‑creation, having designed and delivered services in genuine partnership with children, young people, and families to shape the support they receive.
  • Well‑connected and informed, with knowledge of local and national services and the ability to guide families toward the help they need.
  • Detail‑focused, experienced in keeping accurate records and gathering data to show impact, and using it to inform and improve practice.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all culturally, socially, and personally diverse backgrounds. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with law and regulatory requirements.

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Posted: June 1st, 2026