Independent Travel Trainer in Weston-super-Mare

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Independent Travel Trainer (ITT) to join the Integrated Transport Unit (ITU). The Independent Travel Training Team are responsible for planning and delivering mentoring for young people with SEND on how to safely access public transport and engage in active travel options safely. In this role, you will provide essential support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities on their journey to and from school or college, working with key stakeholders to promote the program, improve independence within the target cohort and provide professional advice to the Council, Home to School Transport Service and parent/carers. You will work closely with other service areas within the Council, and with partners to achieve an integrated approach to transport policy and sustainable travel in North Somerset.

Key Responsibilities

• To develop and deliver independent travel training to students which aims to promote independence for young people with varying needs.
• Work in close partnership with social care professionals, parents, carers and the young person themself in developing specific travel plans including risk assessments to ensure their safety.
• Provide practical one to one training to work through the travel plan with the young person, including the gradual withdrawal of support as the young person demonstrates they can travel independently.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the trainees’ progress and keep accurate evidence, and provide positive and constructive feedback to them, their families, and schools/colleges in relation to their progress.
• Promote the Independent Travel Training Programme within the community and engage with stakeholders to deliver a successful programme.

Conditions & Exemptions

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is currently based at The Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 0-1 day in the office. Includes field workers who primarily work remotely. Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working with children and adults with special educational needs.
• Welfare and/or care of vulnerable adults or children.
• Conversant with Public Transport route planning.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in transporting vulnerable and challenging students and/or adults.
• Knowledge of Public Transport routes within North Somerset.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.