Programme Worker bei Action for Children

Salary:  £25,000 per annum, pro rata 

Location: Scotland based. This role will predominantly be working from home however will require travel to Glasgow for specific events

Contract/Hours: Fixed term contract until March 2026 (with possibility of extension) / Part Time – 12 hours per week (likely split over 2 days but we are flexible with hours and days, to be discussed at interview)

Closing date for applications is midnight on 17^th September and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 29^th September

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave 

• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities 

• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages 

• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover 

• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.  

A bit about the role

At our centre, we’re deeply connected to the community we serve, offering a welcoming space where families can truly flourish. We believe that children thrive when everyone comes together—parents, carers, professionals, and the wider community—sharing their energy, skills, and time to support every stage of a child’s development and well-being.

We recognise that every family is unique. That’s why we take a “whole family approach,” building strong relationships and tailoring our support to meet the individual needs of each child and family member. By listening carefully and valuing everyone’s experiences, we create a nurturing environment that supports growth, resilience, and happiness.

Our work with under-fives is especially important, helping children build the communication and social skills they need to be ready for school. Through play sessions, speech therapy, health interventions, and parenting programmes, we provide the tools and guidance that give children the best possible start in life.

One of our key programmes is Roots of Empathy, a world-renowned social-emotional learning programme delivered in classrooms. Here, children learn empathy and reduce aggression by observing and reflecting on the emotions of a visiting baby and parent, guided by a trained Instructor. Using the infant as a “Teacher,” children develop a deeper understanding of feelings, relationships, and social cues.

The impact is powerful: children develop empathy, reduce bullying and aggression, and show increased caring and prosocial behaviour. They grow in confidence, communication, and social-emotional competence—skills that support not only their early years but also their lifelong well-being.

How you’ll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities for the Programme Worker role are; 

• Facilitating engaging lessons using the provided curriculum.

• Guiding children in recognising feelings in themselves and others.

• Creating safe, inclusive spaces where children feel confident to share, reflect, and learn.

• Building positive relationships with families, teachers, and school staff.

• Working closely with local health visitors, midwives, and other professionals to offer families access to a wide range of expertise and resources.

Let’s talk about you

• Proven experience delivering the Roots of Empathy programme.

• NVQ level 3 in a relevant area or extensive experience of working with disadvantaged families and 

  children.

• Experience of working with disadvantaged families and children.
• Experience of delivering creative programmes/solutions.
• Experience of working within and across local communities.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

Good to know 

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Contact: Laura McCarthy at [email protected] quoting reference 11892

Diversity, equality and inclusion 
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. 

We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children. 

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles. 

Please click on the below links to find out more about this role and Action for Children;

Job Description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Action for children's story 

or find us on Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.