Personal Advisor (Leaving Care Service)

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, person-centred support to young people leaving care as they transition into independent adulthood, helping them achieve positive outcomes in areas including housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing.

The post holder will manage a caseload of care leavers, develop and review Pathway Plans, provide practical and emotional support, and work closely with partner agencies to coordinate services, promote independence and safeguard young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 24 care leavers and provide consistent, relationship-based support.
  
• Develop, implement and review Pathway Plans in partnership with young people.
  
• Support care leavers to achieve positive outcomes in accommodation, education, employment, training, health and independent living.
  
• Provide practical, emotional and advocacy support to young people transitioning from care into adulthood.
  
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
  
• Support young people to develop independent living skills and make informed decisions about their future.
  
• Work collaboratively with social workers, housing services, education and training providers, health services and other partner agencies.
  
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of young people and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  
• Undertake regular visits and maintain appropriate contact with care leavers.
  
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records.
  
• Participate in the Leaving Care Service duty function.
  
• Identify barriers to positive outcomes and work proactively with young people and partner agencies to address them.
  
• Provide advice, advocacy and signposting to appropriate services.
  
• Promote the rights and entitlements of care leavers.
  
• Work in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience supporting children in care, care leavers or young people transitioning into adulthood.
  
• Experience providing practical and/or emotional support to young people.
  
• Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
  
• A person-centred and strengths-based approach.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
  
• Experience of multi-agency working and partnership working.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely case records.
  
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and work independently.
  
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging or complex situations.
  
• Ability to travel regularly to undertake home visits and meet with young people.
  
• No formal qualification is required, although relevant social care, youth support or leaving-care experience is essential.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a Leaving Care Service.
  
• Experience developing or reviewing Pathway Plans.
  
• Knowledge of the statutory framework and entitlements relating to care leavers.
  
• Experience supporting young people with accommodation, education, employment, training or health needs.
  
• Previous experience working within a local authority or children's services environment.
  

Additional Information

Hours per Week: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Location: Nottingham and surrounding area – hybrid working, including office-based work and regular visits to care leavers.

Bi-Weekly Payments: Payment will be made on a bi-weekly basis.