Swindon Participation Worker
Person Specification
* Method of Assessment
A = Application Form D = Documentary Evidence (e.g. Certificates/Portfolio) I = Interview (panel and/or young people)E = Exercise
Please note that this column is indicative of where each criterion is likely to be tested, however all elements of the person specification may be tested at any stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must use each element of the person specification as a heading in the supporting statement of their application, explaining clearly and with examples how they meet the criteria.
Factor / Criteria / Essential/Desirable / Method of Assessment*A / D / I / E
Education / Experience /
- A social care, counselling, youth work or other relevant qualification NB Candidates without a relevant professional qualification but with more than three years experience in social care, advice, counselling or youth work will be considered.
- A good standard of general education
- Knowledge of the care system
- At least one year’s experience of direct work with children/young people from diverse backgrounds in a professional capacity, including group work
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary project team; Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Experience of working with and ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a professionals of all levels from a range of voluntary and statutory agencies including Social Services professionalstaff, managers, directors and elected members.
- Experience of planning events for young people
- Experience of direct work with, and support of, children and young people in the care system
- Experience of working with children and young people using different modes of communication.
Skills and Abilities /
- Ability to listen to and communicate effectively with children, young people and adults
- Ability to understand and explain policies and structures in a way that will make young people’s involvement meaningful, and to motivate, encourage and support children and young people on an individual basis and in groups
- Ability to think creatively and imaginatively about approaches to participation.
- Passionate about participation and engaging young people
- Ability to support young people to present their views to adults, both formally and informally.
- Good organisational and planning skills including ability and willingness to organise own work, be reliable, use IT systems competently, and prioritise work and meet deadlines.
General /
- Flexibility regarding working hours which will mainly be early evening and will include some weekend work
- Commitment to the rights of the child/young person to have a voice in the way they are cared for, in decisions that are made about their lives and the services they receive
- Commitment to embracing and working in line with Voice’s values
- Commitment to anti-racist and anti –discriminatory practices