A bit about us
Route1 recruit, train and support volunteers who carry out the role of an Independent Visitor or Advocate. Route 1 is part of the Children’s Advocacy and Independent Reviewing Service and plays a wider role in ensuring children’s voices are heard in Children’s Social Care.
Independent Visitors are matched with a Child Looked After by the Local Authority and provide long term regular support & encouragement.
Advocates support children and young people to have their voice heard in any meeting concerning their care. This includes attending Children Looked After reviews, Child Protection conferences, Family Group Conferences & Child in Need meetings either with or on behalf of the child. Advocates also support young people wishing to make a complaint, and children who require advice and assistance.
Here’s what you can expect to be doing
We are looking for an additional coordinator to join our Team. This is a varied and exciting role. Training and developmental opportunities are offered. You will liaise with a wide range of professionals in order to manage and support a group of volunteer advocates and independent visitors. You will also act as an advocate for children and young people in complex cases. You will participate in the recruiting and training of volunteers. Although you will operate at a high level of autonomy, it is essential that you work with a team approach and are able to travel extensively in and occasionally outside of Somerset.
A few things about you
We are looking for a creative individual with an interest and concern for the needs of children. You will have knowledge and experience of the voluntary sector and an understanding of child protection & safeguarding. You will need to have good IT skills and be able to negotiate spreadsheets and databases. We are looking for a strong, confident communicator who possesses enthusiasm, motivation and problem-solving skills. Ideally you will have a track record in building strong and supportive relationships with children and dealing with sensitive issues tactfully. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.
Additional information
Feel free to get in touch with Rachel Wren on 07468 715064 for an informal discussion.
You will need to be able to work flexible hours when required, including weekends and evenings.
From 1 April 2023 the County and District councils in Somerset will be replaced by a new single unitary authority – Somerset Council. It’s a genuinely exciting time to join us as we work together with the four district councils to deliver the new council for Somerset.
Salary £22,571 to £25,927 pa
Why choose Somerset County Council
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.
DBS information
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
Apply Online – Job (somerset.gov.uk)
