Participation Worker in Bolton

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together. This is the work. And we’d like you to be part of it.

Role Overview

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work directly with children, young people and foster families to create positive experiences and meaningful opportunities for participation. You will organise activities, workshops and family events, helping children and young people build confidence, develop new skills and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. You will also work closely with foster parents, colleagues and external professionals to support positive outcomes and placement stability. As the role involves supporting families across the region, regular travel throughout the North West will be required.

What You'll Be Doing

• Planning and delivering activities, workshops and participation events for children and young people.
• Organising family events, celebration days and trips.
• Building positive relationships with children, young people, foster parents and professionals.
• Supporting children and young people to express their views and contribute to decisions that affect them.
• Attending meetings with education, health and social care professionals.
• Completing assessments, reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Providing guidance and support to foster families.
• Promoting safeguarding, inclusion and positive outcomes for all children and young people.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children and young people, ideally within fostering, residential care, youth work, education or a similar setting.
• Has a good understanding of the needs of looked after children and fostering.
• Can build strong, positive relationships with both adults and children.
• Is organised, creative and confident in planning activities and events.
• Remains calm and resilient when dealing with challenging situations.
• Has good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle.
• Is willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

• A qualification in childcare, youth work, social care, education, psychology, childhood studies or a related field.
• Previous experience working within a fostering service.

What We Offer

• Career Development – We offer a range of career pathways, recognising hard work and supporting progression into senior roles.
• Competitive Salary – Structured pay grades based on your qualifications, experience and professional development.
• Travel Package – 45p per mile mileage allowance, plus a £100 per month car allowance towards the upkeep of your vehicle.
• Wellbeing Support – Access to therapeutic wellbeing sessions through our dedicated Therapeutic Services team.
• Recognition Bonuses – Receive service awards of £200 after 2 years, £400 after 5 years and £600 after 10 years' service, plus the opportunity to receive a special recognition award of up to £500 for outstanding practice.
• MediCash Health Plan – Cashback towards a range of healthcare costs, including dental and optical treatments.
• Life Assurance – A life assurance scheme worth three times your annual salary following successful completion of probation.
• Enhanced Annual Leave – 25 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 4 years' service, plus bank holidays. You'll also receive an additional birthday day, a health and wellbeing day, and a half day for festive shopping each year.

If you're passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people and enjoy creating opportunities that help them thrive, we'd love to hear from you.