Person specification for independent visitors (essential requirements)
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years old or over
- Must NOT be a member of Salford Local Authority (eg a local councillor )
- Must NOT be working for Salford Children’s Services with children in care
- Must NOT be working for the organisation that cares for the child (where this is not Salford Children’s Services)
- Must NOT be the partner of anyone in these roles
Experience and knowledge
- Some awareness or understanding of children and young people in our society
- Willing to gain knowledge and experience regarding the care system and the needs of children and young people in the care system
- Willing to undergo training for the role
Skills/abilities
- Able to communicate well with children and young people
- Able to question and challenge people, especially when decisions are being made about a child/young person without meeting the child/young person’s wishes and/or best interests
- Able to speak on behalf of a child/young person
- Non-judgmental, with an open attitude of tolerance and acceptance for children/young people whose values and behaviour may be different to your own
- Able to give support to others and receive support and guidance where appropriate
Personal qualities
- A commitment to children’s rights and needs
- A warm and friendly approach
- Sensitive to the needs and wishes of children/young people
- Reliable and consistent
- Non-judgmental
- A sense of humour and the ability to have fun
- Flexible in meeting the needs of children/young people
- A balanced approach and view of life