Senior Route1 Co-Ordinator

Somerset County Council; Shepton Mallet; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking a Senior Route 1 Coordinator to support care-experienced young people aged 18 to 25 by developing and overseeing Independent Visitor relationships. You’ll recruit, train and supervise volunteers, helping them build positive, consistent connections.

Working with the Route 1 Team Manager, you’ll lead on volunteer recruitment, training, quality assurance and community engagement, while championing young people’s voices to influence decision making and service

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Volunteer recruitment knowledge

Community engagement

Care-experienced youth understanding

Communication skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

IT skills

Advocacy

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Professional boundaries

Education

Level 3 qualification in Social Care/Teaching/Youth Work

Job description

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:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/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 [e-mail]

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