Participation Officer

• Participation_Officer_JD

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Participation Officer

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 the following groups and forums

-Children in Care Council

-Children in Care Council Juniors

-Youth Council

-Care Leavers forum (online)

-Additional Needs Inclusion Champions

-Family Advisory Board

-New activity to be developed

• 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. This could include surveys, consultations and participation events.
• Maximise the participation of children, young people and families to be truly representative and ensure sufficient numbers of children, young people and families 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 including attending Corporate Parenting Board.
• 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 or lived experience of receiving services as an adult or a child.
• 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 including those with special educational needs and disabilities
• 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.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today.

For further discussion please contact jo.dixon@wokingham.gov.uk or call 07834 150273

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.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

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.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.