Do you have time on your hands to befriend and support our Children in Care?
Rotherham’s Right 2 Rights Service is looking to recruit Volunteer Independent Visitors. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to support the growth of our Children in Care and Care Leavers. If you are able to commit to visiting our children and support them in doing fun activities, we need to hear from you.
We are looking for people 21 years and above from all walks of life who are willing to share their time and provide a long-term commitment to engaging and supporting our children.
Training will be provided, and expenses reimbursed. Subject to clear enhanced DBS check and references.
What is an Independent Visitor?
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An Independent Visitor (IV) is an adult aged 21 or over.
- You’ll have a genuine respect for children and young people and enjoy getting to know them as individuals.
- You can show a real commitment to the role and a desire to help improve outcomes for children and young people in our care.
- Experience of working with or supporting children and young people is desirable.
- You’ll be able to communicate easily and build trust over time.
- You’ll be ready to have fun and enjoy spending time together, doing ordinary things that make a big difference.
- You must be independent from the Council (for example, not a Social Worker connected to the child or an elected member).
- No formal qualifications are required, just the right values, reliability and a willingness to learn.
What does an Independent Visitor do?
As an Independent Visitor, you’ll offer encouragement and friendship. The main parts of the role include:
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Building a long‑term, consistent and supportive relationship with a child or young person (aged 8 to 25) who is cared for by the Local Authority.
- Helping them grow in confidence, develop social skills, feel valued and encouraged to reach their potential.
- Meeting regularly (usually monthly) to spend time together.
- Supporting them to take part in positive activities and outings you plan together, based on their interests.
What will you get?
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A training programme to help you feel confident and prepared.
- Regular contact and guidance from the Independent Visitor lead.
- Support with matching, so you and the young person feel like the right fit.
- Support to ensure that you feel able to fulfil the role.
- Expenses covered to help with activity costs and travel.
- For everyone’s safety, volunteers will need an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and at least two references.
If you want to get involved?
Or, if you’d prefer, complete our short enquiry form:
https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/xfp/form/479.
This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit our website.
