Participation Officer - 37 hours

We have an exciting opportunity for a Participation Worker in Children's Services.

The views and participation of children and families is integral to the ongoing development and review of the services provided to them. It is essential that services have a person-centred, restorative means of gathering the child's voice which consistently informs future planning.

We are looking for a passionate advocate who has the skills to be able to communicate and work with children, parents and carers and families to involve and include them in service design and delivery in creative ways, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all the different people we work with and provide services for.

You will be:

• Dedicated to the promotion of participation of children and young people, parents and carers and families across Torbay and ensuring their voice is heard.


• Committed to working restoratively and relationally alongside our cared for and care experienced young people.


• Able to design and support participation groups, feedback activities and schemes of direct work which maximise the potential for children and families to engage with Children's Services.


• Passionate about the inclusion of children and young people from a range of backgrounds, and with a range of experience and needs.


• Able to support the Council's Corporate Parenting Strategy by delivering a high-quality offer to promote and enable children and young people's engagement and participation.


This role is being offered on a fixed term basis to cover maternity, with an expected start date of the beginning of August 2024.

This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.

Essential:

• Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and reports.


• Ability to engage positively with children, young people and their parents.


• Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of organisations and individuals.


• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with children and young people and form positive working relationships with them, their families and carers, specialist services and colleagues.


• Understanding the needs of local young people including the more complex issues that the most vulnerable young people face in society.


As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.,
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on children and young people who are cared for or care experienced.


• Understanding of basic human needs, physical, emotional, cultural and social.


• Detailed knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.


• Knowledge of Children's Act 1989 and 2004, Adoption legislation, Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Parenting Orders and Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.


• Self awareness of own strengths and weaknesses., Educated to GCSE O Level standard at Grade C or above or equivalent.


• Work in a health or social care environment (paid or unpaid) with children and young people.


• Experience of working with children, young people and families displaying challenging behaviour.


• Experience of health/social care needs and services.


• Teamwork.