Independent Visitor (IV) Role - Northampton/Rushden area

Posted for London IV project - Action for Children

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Action for Children London Independent Visitors match volunteer mentors with children in care aged between five and eighteen who are based across the UK, including London, the South East, as well as other areas, such as Northampton.

Volunteer mentors are there to develop a long-term friendship with a young person in care, meeting at least once a month, to give them an opportunity to access hobbies and interests, gain independence skills and generally have a fun day out.

The Independent Visitor will need to be willing to travel to London occasionally to attend the IV training/induction as well as for supervision (at least 2 face-to-face supervision / year out of 4).  Individual supervision will be provided on a regular quarterly basis and in accordance with individual circumstances.  Independent Visitors will have their ‘match’ reviewed on a yearly basis.

Independent Visitors will keep basic records of visits and other significant events, as appropriate, e.g. to complete a log sheet on a monthly basis recording all contact. The Independent Visitor may be asked to contribute from time to time in either writing or in person to a child/young person’s Statutory Review or a Child Protection case conference. The Independent Visitor may also be involved in other meetings or consultations on the young person’s welfare.

Benefits: 

• You will be provided with adequate information, training, and assistance to be able to meet the responsibilities of the Independent Visitor role. 
• Receive regular supervision and support. 
• Be treated as an equal partner. 
• Reimbursed out of pocket expenses incurred whilst undertaking the role (up to £75 over 3 visits plus all travel expenses).

This is a potentially hugely rewarding role and Independent Visitors can take great satisfaction from the knowledge that they are contributing to the happiness and development of a young person in care.

Skills

No formal qualifications are required. It is however essential that you have the right personal attributes, such as the ability to focus on the young person’s needs and have a genuine and active interest in the welfare of children and young people over the long term.

An Independent Visitor needs to have the following skills:

• Empathetic, Non Judgemental 
• Good communication skills 
• Resilience and Sense of Initiative 

• Organisation skills

  
  

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Details

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.

When do I need to be available?

Availability Details

Visits with young people mostly tend to happen at the weekend.