Leaving Care Worker

Somerset Council; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Hybrid/flexible working

Generous leave

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Leaving Care Worker to support young people aged 16 and over who are in care or care-experienced. You’ll work with social workers and other professionals to understand needs and develop Pathway Plans, delivering trauma-informed, consistent support in the transition to adulthood.

Based across Somerset with travel to homes and supported accommodation, the role requires flexibility, travel willingness, and a commitment to safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Direct experience working with young people aged 16-25.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with youth with complex needs.
• Understanding of care-experienced young people’s needs, including mental health.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and attachment theory.
• Understanding safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience collaborating across multi-agency services.

Responsibilities

• Support care leavers aged 16-25 in planning for adulthood.
• Collaborate with social workers and professionals on Pathway Plans.
• Act as Personal Adviser from age 18 to support goals.
• Help with housing options and transitions from foster care.
• Travel across Somerset to meet young people where they live.

Skills

Engagement & relationships

Youth work experience

Trauma-informed practice

Safeguarding

Multi-agency collaboration

Mental health awareness

Job description

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The Leaving Care Worker plays a vital role in supporting young people aged 16 and over

who are currently in care or have previously been in the care of Somerset Council. You’ll work closely with each young person and other professionals to understand what kind of support they need, looking at all areas of their life.

You’ll support a group of care leavers, offering them personal support and acting as their

Personal Adviser once they turn 18. This includes working with social workers and other

agencies to create and review Pathway Plans.

You’ll use different tools to assess each young person’s needs and deliver support that

helps them make positive changes in their emotions, attitudes, and behaviours. This

includes helping them stay safe and healthy—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The purpose of the role is to work directly with these young people as they begin the transition

toward adulthood, helping them to build the confidence, skills, and stability they need to

live independently. This involves forming strong, trust-based relationships and providing

consistent, trauma-informed support that recognises each young person’s individual

experiences, needs, and aspirations.

You’ll be part of a wider team that shares responsibility for supporting care leavers, and

you’ll regularly take part in reflective supervision to review your practice, share learning,

and ensure the best outcomes for young people.

Much of the work takes place where care leavers live, which means you’ll often be visiting

them in their homes or supported accommodation. This can involve extensive travel

across Somerset and sometimes beyond, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are

essential parts of the role.

Key responsibilities

• Support young people 16-25 who are, or have been, in the care of Somerset Council.
• Work alongside social workers to help young people plan for adulthood.
• At 18, assume the role of their personal advisor, continuing to support young people in setting and achieving personal goals.
• Liaise with the young person, their family, carers, social worker and other relevant multi-agency professionals in co-developing and reviewing Pathway Plans with and for young people.
• Support young people in finding suitable housing, whether they’re leaving their foster home, moving out of supported accommodation, or facing homelessness.

What you’ll bring

• Direct experience working with young people aged 16-25.
• Proven ability to engage and build trusting relationships with young people who may present with complex needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of care-experienced young people, including mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice, attachment theory, and child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience in and understanding of the collaborative nature of multi-agency working.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

• 28 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• This role can involve extensive travel, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are essential for this role.
• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Louise Ward – Team Leader, Leaving Care West Team 2, via email at [e-mail] .

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.