Independent Visitor Coordinator

This is your opportunity to join our fabulous, child-centred Independent Visitor Scheme Coordinator service. We are excited to be able to significantly grow this essential, statutory service.

Our ambition is to reach our target of 10% of all children in care being matched to an Independent Visitor (IV). This will mean more than doubling our current number of matches, and to extend the time we support matches (Care Leavers up to the age of 25).

An IV is a trained volunteer who is uniquely placed to provide care-experienced children and young people with emotional support and stability. IV’s offer the chance for children to build a trusting, positive relationship with them over time. An IV is someone the young person can have fun with, but as a trusted adult, they also safeguard children.

IV Coordinators are responsible for volunteer recruitment, induction, training, supervision, matching and visiting young people and their linked IV’s. These are critical roles and offer significant added value into the lives of children in care and care leavers.

You will be working within a small team; hours are generally Monday - Friday 09.00-17.30 although hours can be flexible. In addition, due to the nature of the role you may be required to work an evening on occasion.  

We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates, so please feel free to email: Sean.Carter@nctrust.co.uk and he will agree a mutually agreeable time to call you.
Our benefitsWe are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.

We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:

2 Day Induction Programme
Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
Local government Pension Scheme
Heavily subsidised town centre car parking scheme
Employee Discount Scheme
28 days’ annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years’ service
Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days
Employee Assistance Programme
Monthly quality supervision

What will you be doing?Coordination of the Independent Visitor (IV) volunteer Service.

To develop the existing service and have day-to-day responsibility of the IV service for children and young people in Northamptonshire’s care.

To recruit, interview and deliver training to volunteers; manage referrals for the local authority; match young people with suitable volunteers.

Provide on-going support and quarterly supervision to matched IV’s.

Manage 6-monthly reviews with all stakeholders for matched children and young people, in addition to initial reviews with newly matched children and young people. To complete and submit monthly reports.

Deliver an annual one-day appreciation day event for all matched IV’s.

Work closely with colleagues from the Advocacy and Participation and Engagement Services to deliver direct work to all children supported by Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.
About you
You will hold a relevant qualification in Youth Work, Diploma in Social Work or have significant experience of working in the wider children’s workforce.
You are experienced in working with young people one to one or in small groups. 
 You understand the issues facing young people in society and the boundaries of confidentiality.
You find creative ways to empower young people to express their views and have their say. 
You communicate effectively and are able to mediate with openness and honesty with both professionals and the children represented.
You will need to have access to transport as this role requires travel both in and out of county.

About usNorthamptonshire Children’s Trust was established in November 2020 to deliver Children’s Services to the newly established North and West Northants County Councils. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils; this provides the organisation with unique opportunities to explore new ways of working and to be more agile and adaptable in its approach to service delivery. We are developing a culture that allows the very highest quality of professional practice to flourish and evolve, delivering at the cutting edge of new innovation.