Job Details
Organisation: Kirklees
Directorate: Children & Families
Service Area: Resources, Improvement & Partnerships
Hours: 18.5
Number of Jobs: 1
Location(s): Huddersfield and surrounding areas
Position type: Permanent
Grade: 8
Salary:£16,030.50 to £16,849.50 Pro rated
About The Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care? We’re looking for an Independent Visitor Co‑ordinator to recruit, train and support a dedicated network of volunteer Independent Visitors, who build positive and supportive relationships with children and young people looked after by Kirklees Council. Independent Visitors play a vital role by offering friendship, consistency and positive experiences. As Co‑ordinator, you’ll ensure these relationships are safe, well‑matched and well‑supported, helping children and young people to thrive. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Children and Families, as well as partner organisations, to promote and develop the Independent Visitor scheme across Kirklees.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Recruiting, assessing and selecting volunteers to become Independent Visitors
* Delivering training, induction and ongoing support to volunteers
* Matching volunteers with children and young people, ensuring safe and positive relationships
* Acting as a Safeguarding Lead for the scheme, following robust safeguarding procedures
* Carrying out risk assessments and ensuring quality assurance
* Supporting and supervising volunteers through regular contact and networking meetings
* Working closely with social workers, carers and partner agencies
* Maintaining accurate records and contributing to reports and service development
* Promoting equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice in all aspects of your work
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be organised, compassionate and confident working with both children and adults. You’ll be able to work independently while also building strong professional relationships.
Essential Requirements
* Experience of working with children and young people
* Experience of recruiting, training and supervising volunteers or staff
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
* Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
* IT skills and experience of maintaining accurate records
* A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
* Ability to travel across Kirklees and work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends
Experience of working with children in care, partnership working, budget management or holding (or being willing to undertake) safeguarding lead training would be an advantage.
What We Offer
* Regular supervision and support from your line manager
* Access to training, peer support and professional development
* The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people
* A supportive and values‑driven working environment within Children and Families
This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level, please refer to the Job Description/Profile. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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