Independent Visitor Volunteer Coordinator – Children Services – Croydon Council Salary: Grade 10 £42,324 - £44,331 Fixed Term or Secondment (12m) – 36 hours per week Hybrid 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. For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Adam Fearon-Stanley 07435763400, adam.fearon-stanleycroydon.gov.uk Interviews w/c 3 rd February – w/c 10 th February 2025 Benefits You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer: Highly competitive compensation package 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20% Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career Management development programmes Investment into your wellbeing Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more) We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance. Closing date: Sunday 2nd February 2025 11.59pm Disclaimer Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements. 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 an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.