Leaving Care Personal Advisor

Service Care; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s Children & Families service seeks two Personal Advisors to support care leavers ages 16–25 in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull. Hybrid role with at least 2 days in the office, DBS required and a full driving licence for travel to young people.

You’ll help develop Pathway Plans, provide practical and emotional support, and advocate for young people navigating education, housing and services to build independent futures.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people and/or families in social care, education or related settings.
• Knowledge of child development and needs of young people.
• Understanding challenges faced by care leavers transitioning to adulthood.
• Experience developing or contributing to care or pathway plans.
• Good safeguarding understanding.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and review Pathway Plans, helping young people set and achieve goals in education, employment, housing and independent living.
• Provide practical support with accommodation, budgeting, benefits, healthcare and other services.
• Build positive relationships and provide consistent emotional support and guidance.
• Advocate for young people and help them navigate services and public systems.
• Coordinate support with social workers, housing teams, education providers, health services and partner agencies.
• Maintain regular contact with young people through visits, meetings and calls.
• Monitor wellbeing, progress and changing needs; take appropriate action when concerns arise.
• Maintain up-to-date case records, contact logs and documentation.

Skills

Experience with young people

Safeguarding knowledge

Strong communication

Education

Level 3 qualification/NVQ3 in Children & Young People

Job description

Personal Advisor – Children & Families

Location: Chelmsley Wood, Solihull

Pay: £18.35 per hour PAYE (£25.03 per hour Umbrella)

Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:45am–5:20pm | Friday 8:45am–4:30pm

Hybrid Working: Minimum 2 days per week in the office

Contract: Temporary

DBS: Enhanced DBS required

Driving: Full driving licence and access to a vehicle required

Make a real difference to a young person's future

Are you passionate about supporting young people as they take their first steps towards independence?

We're looking for two experienced Personal Advisors to join the Children & Families service at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council , supporting care leavers as they transition into adulthood.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands that leaving care is about much more than simply moving into independent accommodation.

You'll become a trusted and consistent professional in a young person's life, helping them navigate the challenges of adulthood and supporting them to achieve the goals set out in their Pathway Plan.

You'll work with young people from 16 through to 25 , helping them develop the skills, confidence and stability they need to move forward.

What will you be doing?

• Lead, coordinate and review Pathway Plans , helping young people set and achieve realistic goals around education, employment, housing and independent living.
• Provide practical support with accommodation, budgeting, benefits, healthcare and other essential services .
• Build positive, trusting relationships and provide consistent emotional support and guidance.
• Advocate for young people and help them navigate complex services and public systems.
• Coordinate support with social workers, housing teams, education providers, health services and other partner agencies .
• Maintain regular contact with young people through visits, meetings and telephone contact.
• Monitor wellbeing, progress and changing needs, taking appropriate action where concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, contact logs and other required documentation.
• Help young people access the services and opportunities available to them.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to ensure the young person remains at the centre of planning.

What are we looking for?

We're keen to hear from candidates who have experience supporting young people and/or families within a social care, education, voluntary or similar setting.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience working with young people and their families.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development and the needs of young people.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers as they transition into adulthood.
• Experience developing or contributing to care or pathway plans.
• A good understanding of safeguarding.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young people and professionals.
• The resilience and empathy required to support young people who may have complex or challenging circumstances.
• Experience working with partner agencies and coordinating support.
• A Level 3 qualification/NVQ3 in Children & Young People or an equivalent qualification is required for the permanent council role.

The practical stuff ?

• Base: 858 Chester Road, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, B37 7WG
• Office attendance: At least 2 days per week
• Driving: This is an essential car-user role. You'll need a full driving licence, access to a vehicle and business-use insurance , as the role involves travelling to support young people. A DVLA check is not required.
• Hours: 8:45am–5:20pm Monday–Thursday and 8:45am–4:30pm Friday
• DBS: Enhanced DBS required

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to do work that genuinely matters.

For many care leavers, the transition into adulthood can come with significant challenges.

As their Personal Advisor, you'll be someone they can rely on — helping them make important decisions, access the right support and develop the confidence to build an independent future.

If you're an experienced Personal Advisor, Leaving Care Worker, Support Worker, Family Worker, Youth Worker or Children & Families professional looking for a role where your work can have a direct impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Two positions are available.