Leaving Care Personal Advisor

Service Care Solutions; Chorley, West Midlands; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a Personal Advisor to join the Throughcare Team to support looked-after children and care leavers as they transition into adulthood. You will manage a caseload, build trusted relationships and coordinate with partners to secure housing, education, training and employment opportunities.

The role requires experience in social care, youth work or education, plus GCSEs and NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years' experience working with adolescents in a social care, education or youth work setting.
• At least one year's experience supporting young people in care or care leavers.
• Five GCSEs or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People (or a commitment to achieve this within two years of appointment).
• An understanding of the looked-after children system and the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.
• Knowledge of young people's accommodation, benefits, education, training and employment needs.
• Experience supporting young people from ethnic minority communities, teenage parents and young people with additional needs would also be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of young people, prioritising work and ensuring support is delivered within required timescales.
• Supporting young people in care and care leavers to achieve positive outcomes and develop independent living skills.
• Helping young people access suitable accommodation, education, training and employment opportunities.
• Providing advice and guidance around housing, benefits and other essential support services.
• Completing assessments, reports, reviews and individual support plans.
• Working collaboratively with social workers, housing providers, education services, health professionals and other partner agencies.
• Advocating for young people's needs and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring all work complies with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Advocacy

Relationship building

Organisation

Diversity awareness

Education

GCSEs

NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People

Job description

Personal Advisor – Throughcare Team Staffordshire County Council | Grade 8

Are you passionate about supporting young people to build brighter, more independent futures? We're looking for a dedicated and motivated Personal Advisor to join Staffordshire County Council's Throughcare Team, supporting young people in care and care leavers as they navigate the transition into adulthood. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in social care, youth work or education who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.

The Role

As a Personal Advisor, you will play a key role in helping young people develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to successfully transition into adult life. You'll manage your own caseload, build positive and trusting relationships, advocate for young people's needs and work closely with partner organisations to ensure they receive the right support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a caseload of young people, prioritising work and ensuring support is delivered within required timescales.
• Supporting young people in care and care leavers to achieve positive outcomes and develop independent living skills.
• Helping young people access suitable accommodation, education, training and employment opportunities.
• Providing advice and guidance around housing, benefits and other essential support services.
• Completing assessments, reports, reviews and individual support plans.
• Working collaboratively with social workers, housing providers, education services, health professionals and other partner agencies.
• Advocating for young people's needs and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring all work complies with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of two years' experience working with adolescents in a social care, education or youth work setting.
• At least one year's experience supporting young people in care or care leavers.
• Five GCSEs or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People (or a commitment to achieve this within two years of appointment).
• An understanding of the looked-after children system and the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.
• Knowledge of young people's accommodation, benefits, education, training and employment needs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to advocate effectively for young people and work with a wide range of professionals.
• Experience supporting young people from ethnic minority communities, teenage parents and young people with additional needs would also be beneficial.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work planned unsociable hours, including weekends.
• A full driving licence and access to suitable transport (with reasonable adjustments considered where applicable).
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and anti-discriminatory practice.

Why Join the Throughcare Team?

You'll be joining a service committed to ensuring that children and young people in Staffordshire are safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential. This is an opportunity to be part of meaningful work that goes beyond day-to-day support – helping young people develop the confidence, independence and opportunities they need to thrive.