At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special educational needs in gaining independence through travel training.
- Company: Join Merton Council, dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their life skills.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and support for qualifications.
- Other info: Fixed term role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives by helping them gain confidence in independent travel.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN children and effective communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38256 - 39276 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping young people who have special educational needs to transition to independence?
THE ROLE
We are looking to recruit a dedicated individual to take on a challenging new role created to promote and support independent travel for Merton students. You will work with students, their families and schools to develop and promote the provision of training for independent travel. Your goal will be to maximise opportunities for young people to be provided with the necessary skills and confidence to travel to school and elsewhere using a range of transport options. You’ll provide advice and guidance as to the suitability of travel training for students and work with the council’s commissioned services to ensure the timely provision of tailored programmes.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- You will need to have experience of working with SEN children and young people and of delivering independent travel training.
- To be an effective communicator, committed to building relationships with families, schools and SENDIS colleagues to enable young people to achieve greater independence.
- To be able to take on responsibility for the commissioning of travel training for the department.
Support will be available to undertake qualifications relevant to the post. It is anticipated that the role will require some working outside of standard office hours especially when working with students and their families. Final appointment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
WHAT WORKING FOR MERTON OFFERS
This is a fixed term post for 24 months. What you can expect from us:
- A competitive starting salary £38,256.
- A flexible approach to working arrangements to help you achieve a greater work/life balance, including a 35-hour working week, and flexitime scheme.
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 27.5 days paid leave (plus bank holidays).
Independent Travel Coordinator in Merton employer: Merton Council
Working for Merton as an Independent Travel Coordinator offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs. With a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a generous annual leave entitlement, Merton fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Join us in empowering students to gain independence through tailored travel training programmes, all while enjoying a fulfilling career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Travel Coordinator in Merton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Merton Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Merton Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Merton Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Merton Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Travel Coordinator in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Merton Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Merton Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
