Participation and Engagement Worker

London Borough of Merton; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Merton is seeking a Participation and Engagement Worker to lead youth voice forums and activities across the borough. You will enable children and young people to have their say, influence decisions, and participate in statutory duties.

You will oversee Our Voice (Merton's Children in Care Council) and the SEND Youth Advisory Forum, coordinating with practitioners, senior leaders, elected members and families to develop inclusive participation practices and co-production.

Responsibilities

• Deliver youth voice forums and activities across Merton.
• Lead meaningful participation and youth voice activity, ensuring children and young people can have their say and influence.
• Lead key activities including Our Voice and the SEND Youth Advisory Forum, working with children, young people, practitioners, senior leaders, elected members and families.
• Develop inclusive participation practices and programmes, embedding youth voice and co-production; deliver training and workshops to practitioners, including Total Respect training with Expert by Experience Trainers overseen by you.
• Evening and weekend work will be required.
• An enhanced DBS will be required for this role.

Job description

Advert Text

"It is good to be able to voice my opinions on certain topics. That I am not judged on what I say so I can agree or disagree without being laughed at."

"Getting to personally talk to local decision makers and hold them to account was a real highlight."

The above quotes are from young people who have engaged with our service.

We are seeking a Participation and Engagement Worker to deliver our youth voice forums and activities. The successful candidate will lead meaningful participation and youth voice activity across Merton, focusing on our statutory duties, ensuring children and young people are able to get involved, have their say and have influence.

You will lead key activities, including Our Voice (Merton's Children in Care Council) and the SEND Youth Advisory Forum, which will involve working closely with children and young people, practitioners, senior leaders, elected members and families. The role also plays an important part in developing inclusive participation practices and programmes, embedding youth voice and co-production and delivering training and workshops to practitioners. This includes our delivery of Total Respect training, working with our Expert by Experience Trainers who you will oversee.

As we ensure the best ways to engage with children and young people, the role will involve evening and weekend work. An enhanced DBS will be required for this role.

For more information, please contact Sukpal Uppal (Participation and Engagement Manager) on [e-mail]).