Personal Adviser

Derby City Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Wellbeing programme

Learning & development

Cycle2Work

Job summary

Derby City Council is seeking a Personal Adviser to support 16-18-year-olds (up to 24 with EHCP) who are NEET or at risk of NEET to access education, employment and training opportunities.

You will assess needs, coordinate with families, schools and providers, and advocate to secure suitable opportunities while building trusted relationships and managing a caseload.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with NEET or vulnerable young people.
• Ability to assess needs and coordinate support.
• Experience in information and guidance on education, employment and training.
• Caseload management with ability to meet targets.
• Commitment to equality and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 16-18 (up to 24 with EHCP) NEETs and provide tailored guidance.
• Coordinate with families, schools, colleges, training providers and partner agencies to access education, employment and training opportunities.
• Undertake assessments of need and contribute to Early Help processes; act as Lead Professional for some cases.
• Lead Professional for some cases and participate in multi-agency meetings to ensure coordinated support.

Skills

Caseload management

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Partnership working

Willingness to travel

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Careers, Education and Guidance

NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential? We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Personal Adviser to join our Employment, Skills and Adult Education Service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people by helping them overcome barriers and progress into education, employment and training. As a Personal Adviser, you will work directly with young people aged 16-18, and up to 24 where they have an EHCP, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or are at risk of becoming NEET. You will provide information, advice, guidance and practical support to help them achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

The Opportunity

In the role of Personal Adviser, here's an example of what you'll be doing to make an impact: You will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and providing personalised support to help them overcome barriers and achieve their aspirations. Working closely with families, schools, colleges, training providers and other partner agencies, you will coordinate support, advocate on behalf of young people and help them access appropriate education, employment and training opportunities. You will undertake assessments of need, contribute to Early Help processes where appropriate, act as Lead Professional for some young people and families and participate in multi-agency meetings to ensure coordinated support is in place. You will also support the Council's statutory participation responsibilities, including young people's destination tracking and September Guarantee activity.

Essential Requirements

• Post Graduate Diploma in Careers, Education and Guidance or NVQ Level 4 qualification in Advice and Guidance/an area related to the work
• Experience of working directly with young people, particularly those who are vulnerable, unemployed or economically inactive.
• Experience of providing information, advice and guidance on education, employment and training opportunities.
• Ability to manage a caseload and support young people to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and working with vulnerable young people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with partner organisations and professionals.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to meet the travel requirements of the post.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the September Guarantee and NEET agenda.
• Experience of Early Help Assessments and acting as Lead Professional.
• Experience of supporting young people with SEND.
• Child Care, Youth Work or related qualification.

All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the role. Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process. Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards. The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council's redeployment process.

A passion for supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning and employment. You will have experience of working directly with young people facing a range of challenges and be able to build positive and productive relationships with them and their support networks. You will be confident providing information, advice and guidance, managing a caseload and working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes. You will have excellent communication skills, a sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.

About Derby City Council

At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us

Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

Why join Derby City Council?

Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
• Team Derby Rewards - discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme - a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-Life Balance

• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
• Flexible retirement options, where eligible
• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities

Learning and Development

• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training

Community and Inclusion

• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year
• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.