Family & Community Support Coordinator - Share

An exciting opportunity based at the Lochaber Hope Community Hub, the postholder will work alongside families in their homes, schools, community settings and within the Hub itself, helping them identify strengths, overcome barriers and access the right support at the right time.

Location: Lochaber Hope Community Hub, Fort William, with outreach across Fort William and the wider Lochaber area.

Contract and salary: Fixed Term – one year (extension subject to funding)

Hours:

12-13 hrs/week, available to work flexibly (weekend or evening work may be required occasionally) working hours can be flexible.

Lochaber Hope is a community-based mental health charity supporting people across Lochaber through counselling, mentoring, employability, recovery and wellbeing services.

At the heart of our organisation is our Community Hub – a welcoming, non-judgemental space where people can connect with others, access support, develop confidence and become part of their community. Alongside our therapeutic services, we provide a range of groups, activities and volunteering opportunities that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and create lasting community connections.

We believe that people thrive when they feel connected, valued, hopeful and supported. Our aim is not only to respond when people reach crisis, but to create opportunities for individuals and families to access support early, strengthen relationships and build resilience before difficulties escalated..

Purpose of the Role

Funded through the Highland Whole Family Wellbeing Programme, the Family & Community Support Coordinator will provide relationship-based, preventative support to families while working in collaboration with the wider Family Links partnership in Lochaber.

The postholder will work directly with children, young people and families in their homes, schools, community settings and at the Lochaber Hope Community Hub. They will assess needs and strengths, develop family-led support plans, provide practical and emotional support, and help families access appropriate services and opportunities.

A key part of the role will be identifying local needs and independently developing, planning and delivering groups, support sessions, events and community initiatives that engage families and promote wellbeing and connection.

The Coordinator will also work closely with the wider Family Links partnership, statutory services, third sector organisations and community partners to strengthen referral pathways, coordinate support and develop collaborative responses to the needs of families across Lochaber.

Key Responsibilities

1. Family Support

• Build trusting, professional relationships with children, young people, parents and carers.
• Undertake holistic, strengths-based assessments and develop and regularly review family-led support plans.
• Provide practical and emotional support in response to issues including mental health, neurodiversity, poverty, addiction, family relationships, school engagement, employability, isolation and wider wellbeing.
• Work flexibly with families in homes, schools, community settings and at the Community Hub.
• Help families identify their strengths, develop solutions and work towards agreed outcomes.
• Support families to access appropriate services through referrals, warm introductions and practical help to engage.
• Advocate where appropriate while supporting families to develop confidence to advocate for themselves.
• Ensure children and young people are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect them.

2. Family Engagement, Groups and Community Initiatives

The Coordinator will have responsibility for developing opportunities that respond to the needs and interests of local families.

The…