Children's Advocacy and Independent Visitor Coordinator

About The Job

Some key information

• 28 of days annual leave
• Full time for 37 hours per week
• Work base can be agreed
• 2 year fixed term until 07/04/2028

We're looking for a passionate individual to support and guide our team of volunteer Advocates and Independent Visitors. At Route1, children’s rights are at the heart of everything we do — and you'll play a vital role in making sure their voices are heard.

Regretfully, 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.

Route1 is part of the Children’s Advocacy and Independent Reviewing Service. We recruit, train, and support volunteers who:

• Act as Independent Visitors, offering long‑term support to children looked after by the Local Authority.
• Serve as Advocates, helping children and young people express their views in meetings about their care, including reviews, conferences and complaints.

• Support and advise volunteers who represent children with a social worker.
• Deliver engaging training to prepare volunteers for their roles.
• Advocate for children’s rights and challenge practice where their voice isn’t central.
• Work collaboratively within a supportive team of staff and a manager.

This is a varied and exciting role. Training and developmental opportunities are offered. You will liaise with a wide range of professionals in order to manage and support a group of volunteer advocates and independent visitors. You will also act as an advocate for children and young people in complex cases. You will participate in the recruiting and training of volunteers.

Although you will operate at a high level of autonomy, it is essential that you work with a team approach and are able to travel extensively in and occasionally outside of Somerset.

We are looking for a creative individual with an interest and concern for the needs of children. You will have knowledge and experience of the voluntary sector and an understanding of child protection and safeguarding. You will need to have good IT skills and be able to negotiate spreadsheets and databases. We are looking for a strong, confident communicator who possesses enthusiasm, motivation and problem‑solving skills.

Ideally you will have a track record in building strong and supportive relationships with children and dealing with sensitive issues tactfully. If you're committed to empowering children and making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

The salary range for this role is £28,598 - £32,061 per annum.

Feel free to get in touch with Stella Jefferies – Route1 Manager When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.