Independent Visitor Volunteer Co-Ordinator (September start)

Job Description

Independent Visitor Volunteer Coordinator – Children Services
Salary: Grade 10 £43,680-£45,750 (pro rata 26,208 - 27,450)
Fixed Term or Secondment (6-9m) – 21.6 hours per week, days to be discussed
Hybrid Working

*September start*

Job Purpose

The Independent Visitor service, is the only statutory service with a befriending nature, implemented in the Children’s Act 1989. Young people who are looked after by the local authority often lack a consistent adult role model in their lives.The service aims to provide an Independent Visitor volunteer to all children looked after who are interested in having a trusted adult who they can enjoy fun activities with and can share any worries they may have. We continue to raise awareness of the service within Croydon Council amongst young people and the professional network. We recruit Independent Visitors utilizing in person an online advertising platforms. A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to help maintain Croydon Council’s Independent Visitor Service, one of the leading services in the country and referred to in our recent Ofsted Inspection Report published December 2024 as an team delivering impressive practice. The successful applicant will work alongside the two current Independent Visitor Co-coordinators to provide a statutory Independent Visitor Service to children in care of Croydon Council. The service is based within the Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Unit.

About You
We are looking for a keen and enthusiastic person who enjoys working with both children and adult volunteers. The role involves the recruitment, training, assessment and approval of independent visitors, as well as meeting children in care, arranging and supervising matches between the two. Experience of working with children in challenging circumstances is essential. The work involves considerable administration so good administrative, organisational and IT skills are essential. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as you will be expected to make presentations to various partners and colleagues and train adult volunteers. Applicants must have flexible availability, as occasional evening and weekend working hours will be required.

To view the role profile, please click here.

Please note, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than anticipated. Please do not hesitate to complete your application as soon as possible so you do not miss out on this opportunity!

About us

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.