National Youth Advocacy Service

Volunteer Independent Visitors

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Main Purpose of role :
 To be a friend to young people looked after who have little or no contact, or experienced troubled or unreliable contact with parents. To provide opportunities for children and young people to develop meaningful, long term relationships with adults. To work in partnership with the local authorities while maintaining the independence necessary to this role.
Accountable to :
Area Coordinator
Responsible to :
Fieldwork Manager and Chief Executive Officer
Location of Post :
Primarily from home, although there is a requirement to visit the NYAS office or alternative venues for the purpose of meetings, supervision or training.
Renumeration :
Expenses paid (up to an agreed amount) to cover travel and social costs
Working Hours :
Variable, although a minimum commitment will be expected, depending on your match

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. To be available to be an Independent Visitor throughout the period of accreditation with NYAS.
  2. To meet with the child or young person you are matched with at a previously agreed time in a setting which is safe and conductive to communication.
  3. To befriend and provide a stable, positive and continuous friendship with the child or young person you are matched with.
  4. To listen carefully to the child or young person and be young person centred.
  5. To value and respect the wishes and feelings of the child or young person and from time to time represent their wishes and interests to other significant persons.
  6. To consider continuing to be a friend to the young person after they leave care.
  7. To in the course of acting as an Independent Visitor be aware of and sensitive to the impact of issues of race, age, gender, class, sexuality, disability and to challenge prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviour.
  8. To maintain confidentiality at all times and to ensure observance of and adherence to NYAS Confidentiality and Serious Concerns and Reporting Policy and relevant local authority procedures.
  9. To participate in supervision and appraisal, and all meetings arranged for that purpose by the local Manager.
  10. To undertake any other duties as identified and agreed with the Fieldwork Manager.

Person Specification

Specific

Essential

  1. A genuine and active interest in the welfare of children and young people.
  2. Experience of building and maintaining supportive relationships with children and/or young people either in an individual or group setting.
  3. Interest in and open to children/young people's issues and pursuits.
  4. Ability to focus on young people's needs.
  5. The ability to promote the safety of vulnerable young people.
  6. Ability to maintain independence from Social Services Department whilst working in partnership with them.

Desirable

  1. Training in child related areas.
  2. Experience of 'Children in Need'

General

Essential

  1. Ability to form positive working relationships with a variety of people including professionals.
  2. Self-awareness and adaptability.
  3. Common sense, ability to be clear thinking and use problem solving strategies
  4. Firmness, commitment and the personal strenth and deal with potentially challenging situations.
  5. Ability to take a questioning approach on behalf of the child.
  6. Ability to be tactful and considerate of other points of view.
  7. Appreciation of differing roles of others involved with the child/young person and ability to complement these roles.
  8. Ability to work on own initiative but know when to consult others.
  9. Willingness to seek and consider advice and information.

Equal Opportunities

Essential

  1. Commitment to treating each person as an individual of worth and value.
  2. Willingness to challenge discrimination.
  3. Acceptance of and adherence to NYAS Policy and Procedures including the Confidentiality and Reporting Serious Concerns Policy.

Desirable

  1. Understanding of the needs and issues of people from minority ethnic groups or other groups who may be discriminated against (e.g. people with a disability)

Other

Essential

  1. Ongoing time available to commit to working with a child/young person.
  2. Ongoing time available to attend regular supervision and support groups.
  3. Willingness to attend training before and after appointment and to travel to meet the child when matched.

You can also download the Application Pack and Application Form (PLEASE USE THIS APPLCATION FORM IF APPLYING FOR POSITION WITHIN CAMBRIDGESHIRE) You will need the latest version of the Adobe Reader to view these files which is available from Adobe.co.uk

For further details and application forms contact Freda O'Hare, National Youth Advocacy Service, Egerton House, Tower Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1FN. Telephone 0151 649 8700 or send an email to recruitment@nyas.net.

 

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