Volunteer Independent Visitors
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Please See Advert Text
Working Pattern:
Please see advert text
Advert Start Date:
01/07/2021
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 01/01/2022 23:59
Employment Location:
An approved team location.
Further Information
Children and Young People's Services
Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children
Youth Justice Service
Volunteer Independent Visitors
CYPS/21/384
Independent visitors are volunteers who are matched with children and young people who are in care and who have little or no contact with their families. The scheme is designed so you meet the young person on a regular basis to do activities you both enjoy and hopefully in time build up a positive relationship.
We seek volunteers from all walks of life who have some free time to offer a child or young person. These young people are living in a children’s home, they may have moved among numerous foster placements or could be in a kinship care arrangement.
Young people regard Independent Visitors as adult friends who support them through difficult times, take them on activities such as supporting the young person to join a sports team, seeing films at the cinema, cycling, bowling or dog walking. You will provide a listening ear and, in many cases, offer a long-term support to the young person.
Requirements:
Any applicants will need to be over the age of 18. They must be as independent as possible from Social Services, and for this reason they must not work for Durham County Council or be an elected member of the local council.
No formal education or qualifications are needed to be an Independent Visitor, although some personal qualities are pre-requisite to the role. Independent Visitors need to have an active interest in the welfare of children and must have flexible attitude and be resilient. Above all, Independent Visitors need to be reliable and committed to visiting their child or young person regularly.
If you are interested in becoming an Independent Visitor please contact Mark den Hollander via email mark.denhollander@durham.gov.uk or tel: 07584 345947 for further information and to request an application form.
The successful applicants will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. Volunteers undergo a comprehensive induction training package, and an interview before an appointment is offered. Mileage/expenses are paid.
As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.
In line with the County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CV’s. Any information provided on CV’s will not be considered for short-listing purposes.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.