A Contact Supervisor serves to safely transport children in local authority care to meet with parents, siblings and other relatives, observe and supervise contact between the parties, and produce reports to summarise sessions. Alternatively, they may review a child's home life if they are living with family and thought to be at risk or in danger.
Skills and background checks
To gain employment as a Contact Supervisor, candidates will need to pass a CRB validating their identity and check if they have a criminal record. Certain roles will require staff to have been employed in social work or have a background in child development.
Primarily, a passion for working with children and vulnerable people is crucial. Car-drivers may be at an advantage for recruitment within certain areas, due to the need to travel between locations.
Areas for employment
Recruitment of Contact Supervisors takes place throughout the UK, with deprived urban areas being the most in need. Employers include Family Centres, run by local government departments and councils, or charities specialising in social care. Average starting salaries are around £22,000 for permanent roles.
Pay
Many Contact Supervisor jobs pay by the hour and are contract positions through recruitment agencies. Average payment is £12.00 - £20.00 per hour. There is a skills shortage in this field, particularly in London and the South East, where payment is slightly higher.