Personal Advisor

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council; Ebbw Vale; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ebbw Vale is seeking a Personal Advisor to support young people leaving care in their transition to adulthood. The successful candidate will work closely with individuals aged 15-25, offering guidance on independence, housing options, and access to education and employment opportunities. This role is ideal for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and will include training and development opportunities as part of a supportive team.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Supervision sessions

Peer support

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people in transitioning to adulthood.
• Ability to provide practical support and advice.
• Strong understanding of the needs of care leavers.

Responsibilities

• Support young people in preparing for independent living.
• Facilitate access to education and employment opportunities.
• Act as a support figure for young people transitioning out of care.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Job description

Come and join a well-established and passionate team who are dedicated to improving outcomes and opportunities for the young people of Blaenau Gwent.

Our 14+ Team is looking to recruit a Personal Advisor to support Blaenau Gwent’s young people leaving care to help them prepare for and successfully transition into adulthood. The successful candidate will ensure that young people are offered suitable opportunities to prepare for adulthood before leaving care. You will undertake direct work with young people aged 15–25 years individually and in groups, with a view to helping them achieve the knowledge and skills they need to meet their desired personal outcomes.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated Personal Advisor to join our 14+ Team. Our Personal Advisors are key in the delivery of our Corporate Parenting Action Plan to ensure best practice in all aspects of the support that is provided to Blaenau Gwent’s young people leaving care.

The Personal Advisor will act as a focal point to ensure that care leavers are provided with the right kind of personal support. The Personal Advisor is required to actively participate in the development of the Pathway Plan whereby they ensure the young person’s views are fairly represented and their voice is heard by all involved in planning for their future.

The support (including practical support), advice and guidance offered by a Personal Advisor as outlined within individual Pathway Plans may include, but is not limited to -

• basic information and assistance to develop the practical skills they will need to manage the expectations placed on them as they gradually assume the responsibilities of greater independence
• information about financial capability – how to manage day-to-day finances, and take up any entitlements to benefits
• information about the housing options potentially available to the young person, and how to access accommodation and advice
• support to the young person to develop their confidence and decision-making capacity
• information about education, training and employment opportunities
• support in finding and sustaining employment
• general information about maintaining positive health and wellbeing, including how to access targeted and specialist health services (for example, information, advice and support about mental health, or sexual health)
• information about leisure, sporting and cultural opportunities to enable care leavers to enjoy and participate in community life.

We recognise the need for staff support when working with young people who may have specific support needs and as such, the successful appointees will benefit from training and development opportunities, monthly formal supervision sessions (more frequently if required), group supervision sessions and access to psychological consultations for psychologically informed advice and practice guidance. We recognise the importance of peer support and the stability of the team has enabled the development of a strong team ethic which is to work together to effectively problem solve, motivate and encourage each other.

The 14+ team office has recently been repurposed to create indoor and outdoor space which promotes group work and independent living skills development. We want to offer a safe space to young people to learn new skills and for all 14+ staff to be involved in providing unique and creative ways of engaging young people to promote their wellbeing and safety.

There are exciting opportunities available to the team which enables and encourages creativity in how we can meet the needs of our older children who are looked after and our care leavers through use of the St David’s Day grant. This has, in recent years, included the opportunity for staff to plan and facilitate activities for our young people inclusive of a residential trip.

If you are passionate about young people, promoting their voice and delivering a service which is focused on outcomes and strengths, then this will be a rewarding and exciting opportunity for you.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A comprehensive

pre-employment screening process will be undertaken which will include an Enhanced Disclosure with Child and Adult Barred List.

Access to a vehicle for work purposes is a requirement of the role.

For information on the re-employment and re-engagement of former employees please refer to the Council’s Pay Policy.

About us

At Blaenau Gwent, we are passionate about the work we do and the impact we have. We empower our staff to make meaningful changes and take action to enhance our services.

Want to ask us a question?

For further information or if you would like to have an information discussion, please contact Beth Thomas, Service Manager, on [e-mail]

Closing Date:	20/8/25 at 12:00 midnight
Interview Date:	3/9/2025