Leaving Care Personal Advisor

CRA Group Recruitment And Payroll Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Personal Advisor to provide statutory social work services to young care leavers aged 18–25. In this role, you will manage a caseload, empowering young people as they transition to independent adulthood by offering practical support and guidance. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant qualification in social care and have experience working with vulnerable young individuals. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Experience working with care leavers, looked-after children, or vulnerable young people.
• Knowledge of leaving care legislation and statutory guidance.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Act as Personal Advisor for allocated care leavers.
• Manage a caseload ensuring statutory duties are met.
• Support young people in developing independence skills.
• Advocate for young people's views in decision-making.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building

Flexibility

Resilience

Education

Relevant qualification in social care or related field

Job description

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide a statutory social work–related service to young people who are care leavers aged 18–25 years, ensuring that all duties under relevant legislation are met. The role involves working with eligible, relevant, former relevant, and qualifying care leavers on a case management basis, supporting them to transition successfully from care to independent adulthood.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Personal Advisor for allocated care leavers aged 18–25 in accordance with the Children (Leaving Care) Act and associated statutory guidance.
• Manage a caseload of young people, ensuring statutory duties, visits, and reviews are completed within required timescales.
• Coordinate, prepare, implement, and regularly review Pathway Plans that are young person–centred, outcome focused, and responsive to changing needs.
• Support young people to develop independence skills, including accommodation, budgeting, financial management, and daily living skills.
• Promote and support engagement in education, employment, and training, working proactively to address barriers to participation.
• Provide practical support, advice, advocacy, and emotional support to young people as they transition to adulthood.
• Work in partnership with internal and external agencies including housing, health, education, training providers, and voluntary organisations to deliver coordinated support.
• Advocate on behalf of young people to ensure their views, wishes, and feelings inform all planning and decision-making.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, escalating risks in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and high‑quality case records in accordance with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
• Monitor progress and outcomes, reviewing plans and interventions to promote positive long‑term outcomes.
• Participate in supervision, training, and continuous professional development.
• Promote equality, diversity, and anti‑discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in social care, youth work, education, health, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of working with care leavers, looked‑after children, or vulnerable young people.
• Knowledge of leaving care legislation and statutory guidance, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and work on a case management basis.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage young people positively.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers transitioning to adulthood.
• Ability to work collaboratively with partner agencies and professionals.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and anti‑oppressive practice.
• Flexible and resilient approach to meeting the needs of young people.