Overview
If you're looking for an opportunity where your skills and experience can make a significant difference to both your team members and children and families, and where there is an encouraged work life balance, then Rutland is the place for you. We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Children and Young People’s Rights and Participation Officer. This is an exciting new and varied role offering you the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with children and families, making sure their voice is always heard. Our latest Ofsted report (April 2024) recognises Rutland as a 'good' provider and highlights the positive outcomes for many children and their families under the support of our skilled practitioners.
Responsibilities
- Actively advocate for children and young people’s views, wishes and feelings to be heard and provide opportunities for them to influence change
- Act as an advocate for young people/children ensuring that their rights are upheld
- Champion children’s rights and their participation
- Support the Practice Development Lead with planning and co‑ordination of Children’s Rights, Advocacy, Participation, and access to Council Services
- Work closely with young people’s participation groups to support rights and participation across all areas
- Manage a small caseload of children, young people and young adults
- Ensure that young people/children who are looked after / in need know their rights and how these can be exercised through the provision of publicity material, visits to care settings and the organisation of meetings/events at appropriate times and locations
- Accompany children/young people to local and national forums and social care boards and support them to fully participate and effectively express their views
- Undertake regular visits and/or communications with children and young people within the local authority, including those who are in, or have left care
Qualifications
- Educated to NVQ Level 3 standard
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on children and young people looked after, in need and leaving care
- Knowledge of the functions of a Social Services Department
- Experience of supporting and acting as an advocate
- Knowledge of national advocacy standards/complaints procedures
- Knowledge of recent developments in the field of Children’s Rights and Advocacy
- Experience of working directly with children and young people
- Experience of using different mediums to gather the views of children and young people
- Full driving licence required to travel within and beyond Rutland
- Enhanced DBS check (costs paid by employer)
- Sound knowledge of childcare legislation and advocacy, and a passion for building meaningful relationships to achieve change
Benefits
Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service. We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff. While the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice, allowing you to work from home while also spending time in the workplace to learn, develop and engage with colleagues.
Equal Opportunities
Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.
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