At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people by overseeing volunteer relationships and community engagement.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, a progressive organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for paid volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteering, strong communication skills, and a Level 3 qualification in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 36363 £ per year.
Salary
Grade 11, ranging from £32,597 - £36,363 per annum.
Contract
Fixed Term Contract for 12 Months.
Hours
37 hours a week.
Closing date
20th September 2026
About the Role
Play a key role in supporting care-experienced young people aged 18 to 25 by developing and overseeing Independent Visitor relationships.
You’ll support, train and supervise volunteers, helping them build positive, consistent connections that improve outcomes for young people.
Working closely with the Route 1 Team Manager, you’ll lead on volunteer recruitment, training, quality assurance and community engagement, helping to grow a diverse and skilled volunteer network.
You’ll also champion the voice of young people, ensuring their views are heard and reflected in decision-making, while working with colleagues and partners to continuously improve services that support successful transitions into adulthood.
- How You’ll Make a Difference
- Recruit, train and support a diverse network of volunteers matched with young people aged 18+.
- Lead and oversee Independent Visitor relationships, ensuring positive outcomes for care-experienced young people aged 18-25.
- Provide quality assurance, guidance and leadership, including deputising for the Route 1 Team Manager when required.
- Champion young people’s rights, acting as an advocate in complex situations and ensuring their voices are central to decision-making.
- Build strong community links to attract and retain volunteers, while maintaining accurate records, reports and performance data in line with national standards.
- What You’ll Bring
- Knowledge of volunteering, community engagement and supporting young people.
- Understanding of care-experienced young adults and relevant legislation.
- Experience recruiting, training and coordinating volunteers or services.
- Strong communication, leadership, organisational and IT skills.
- Able to manage sensitive situations, maintain professional boundaries and advocate effectively.
- Level 3 qualification in Social Care, Teaching or Youth Work, with a commitment to ongoing development.
- Flexible approach to working evenings and weekends when needed.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities.
Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council
- Further Information
- Flexible working available, using a hybrid model.
- Some evening and weekend working.
- This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Stella Jefferies, Route 1 Manager at
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
- You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0317 Senior Route 1 Co-ordinator. pdf
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Route1 Co-Ordinator employer: Somerset County Council
Somerset County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and families in Yeovil. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development and flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees are empowered to manage complex caseloads while contributing to meaningful service improvements. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, all within a collaborative and nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Route1 Co-Ordinator
✨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 Somerset County 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 Somerset County 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 Somerset County 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 Somerset County 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 Senior Route1 Co-Ordinator
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 Somerset County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Somerset County 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 Somerset County 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.
