Senior Children & Families Participation Worker in Stevenage

Job Overview

Senior Children & Families Participation Worker – dynamic role within Children’s Services, based in Stevenage or Hatfield with countywide travel. Fixed‑term 12‑month contract. Expected salary £38,220 progressing to £41,771 per annum. Hours 37. The position focuses on leading a team of Participation Workers, overseeing the Return Home Interview service and improving child participation across diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support staff by supervising Participation Workers, providing guidance, performance management and professional development.
• Deliver and oversee return home discussions for young people who have experienced missing episodes.
• Analyse and use feedback and data to inform service improvements.
• Work directly with young people and families to build trusting relationships and capture their experiences for care planning.
• Identify barriers to engagement and develop inclusive approaches to improve access.
• Collaborate with partners including safeguarding panels and multi‑agency forums to support risk management.
• Contribute to safeguarding oversight and ensure risks are identified and addressed.
• Deputise for the Team Manager when required to support continuity and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Essential
• Experience working in frontline statutory children’s services with strong safeguarding practices.
• Evidence of working with vulnerable children and young people, including those at risk of exploitation or who go missing.
• Strong partnership working skills and ability to build relationships across teams and agencies.
• Ability to analyse information and use data and feedback to inform decision‑making and service delivery.
• Experience of leading or supporting others, via formal management, projects or peer support.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills to manage competing demands.
• Child‑centred approach that prioritises the voice and lived experience of young people.
• Knowledge of child development and social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly, including occasional evenings.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check required.
• English fluency in spoken and written form.
• Desirable
• Experience supervising or managing staff.
• Knowledge of participation and co‑production approaches.
• Experience with Liquid Logic Case Management Systems.

Eligibility & EEO

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and will guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability that meets the minimum criteria for the post. This role requires a DBS check and requires the ability to drive or travel within Hertfordshire. Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work.