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- Tasks: Support children and families in shaping services through participation activities.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council's motivated Children Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by amplifying the voices of children and young people.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in maths and English; experience with children and young people preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 31000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity available for a Participation Officer to join our motivated Children Services team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full Time, Permanent Basis.
As the Participation Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the planning and delivery of participation activities that actively seek, capture, and respond to the views, wishes, and feelings of children, young people, and families who are receiving services. This role ensures their voices are meaningfully included in shaping service development and delivery, delivering on Wokingham's commitment to listening to children, young people and families, making sure they are at the centre of services delivered to them.
This role involves flexible working to facilitate groups in the evenings and occasional weekends. You will need to be able to travel independently throughout Wokingham Borough.
Our Core Values
- Inclusion: Everyone feels included and knows that their voice matters.
- Influence: Children, young people and families help shape what services look like. Services develop to reflect real needs.
- Growth and Empowerment: Children, young people and families develop skills, confidence and feel empowered.
- Trust and Respect: We build trust and friendships, collaborating for shared outcomes.
Benefits
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service) (Pro Rata), plus Bank Holidays
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
- A range of local & lifestyle discounts
- Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
- Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
- And much more
Key responsibilities:
- Assist the participation manager to facilitate the engagement and participation of children, young people and families in various groups and forums.
- Help plan and deliver co-production activities and projects with children, young people and families that are inclusive and adapted to their needs and abilities.
- Maximise the participation of children, young people and families to ensure sufficient numbers engage in the design and development of services offered to them.
- Support children and families to work directly with leaders and decision makers to influence change at senior level.
- Assist the participation manager in recording and reporting on outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the service.
- Assist the participation manager in supporting our young experts.
Candidate requirements:
- GCSE maths and English or equivalent alongside a commitment to further professional development.
- Experience of working with children and young people, especially those who have additional needs or have experienced involvement with children's services.
- Ability to communicate effectively and build trusting relationships with children, young people and families.
- Ability to work 1-2-1 and in groups with children, young people and families and adapt approach to meet the needs of all people.
- Ability to work with children, young people and families in challenging circumstances in a trauma informed way.
Our Area
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today.
This vacancy will close: Monday 1st December at 11pm. Interviews will take place on: Week commencing 8th December, in person, in our Wokingham main offices.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Salary range: £31,537 - £35,513 per year.
Participation Officer in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Participation Officer in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Wokingham Borough Council and their Children Services team. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experiences align with the responsibilities of the Participation Officer role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with children and families in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you’re following the process as outlined in the job description, which is always a good look!
We think you need these skills to ace Participation Officer in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Start with the Online Application: Make sure to kick off your application by filling out the online form on our website. Remember, we don’t accept CVs without a completed application, so this is your first step!
Showcase Your Experience: When you’re filling out the application, highlight any experience you have working with children and young people, especially those with additional needs. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the role!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written responses. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you passionate about supporting children and families in our community.
Double-Check Before Submitting: Before you hit that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Make sure everything is filled out correctly and that you’ve answered all the questions. A polished application shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Participation Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like facilitating engagement and planning co-production activities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children and young people, especially those with additional needs. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to build trusting relationships and adapt your approach to meet diverse needs. This will show that you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Emphasise Core Values
Wokingham Borough Council values inclusion, influence, growth, and trust. Think about how your personal values align with these and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the challenges they face, and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you too.