At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for children's rights and ensure their voices are heard through regular visits.
- Company: Join NYAS, a leading charity dedicated to supporting young people across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible self-employed role with ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to safeguarding and empowering vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, education, or advocacy is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child? Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.
The Vacancy
The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor. We are looking for individuals across Lancashire and Merseyside areas, including but not limited to: Liverpool, St Helens, Warrington, Preston, Lytham, Blackpool.
Role and Responsibilities
- The role of Independent Visitor is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations.
- Undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.
- Conduct visits as part of Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units; Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres; Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes; Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes; RSS20 visits to residential special schools; Health and Social Care Standards Scotland residential children’s homes; and monitoring visits to unregulated provision.
- Undertake all tasks identified by the relevant NYAS manager during the visits and thereafter to fulfil all aspects of the role.
- Provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.
Qualifications and experience
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks, and knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk, particularly those in residential care.
- Experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding, and managing complex relationships across a diverse field (e.g., OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers, registered managers, health care professionals).
- Professional qualification in a related field (e.g., social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work).
Contract and requirements
This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.
You will be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. An NYAS e-learning platform will be available for ongoing CPD at a reduced cost compared with individual courses.
Please refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification in your application and detail how you evidence the criteria.
Safeguarding and recruitment
NYAS operates robust safe procedures to protect the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.
In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS requires proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom as part of the recruitment process.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.
About NYAS
NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is an established rights-based charity that ensures children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.
We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who rely on statutory services amid cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.
We are an equal opportunities employer and commit to an inclusive environment. NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. NYAS is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Work with us to help change young lives.
Self-Employed Independent Visitor. Job in Lancashire Education & Training Jobs employer: NYAS
At NYAS, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of children and young people, providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that values your expertise and passion. As a self-employed Independent Visitor in Lancashire, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a flexible working arrangement. Join us in our mission to ensure every child's voice is heard and their rights upheld, all while being part of a committed team that prioritises high-quality care and positive outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Self-Employed Independent Visitor. Job in Lancashire Education & Training Jobs
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Self-Employed Independent Visitor. Job in Lancashire Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at NYAS, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like NYAS, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help NYAS understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at NYAS
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with NYAS from the get-go!
