Personal Advisor

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Annual leave 28-32 days

Hybrid & flexible working

Learning & development

Health & wellbeing support

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Personal Advisor within the Care Experience Team. You will assess needs, develop pathway plans, and support care leavers with practical and emotional guidance.

The role emphasizes safeguarding, entitlement access, and integrated support services in a dynamic local government setting. Join a forward-thinking council offering flexi-time, hybrid working, and a commitment to staff development and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Social Care or equivalent.
• Current driving licence and access to a car or mobility support.
• Understanding of development and the needs of Care Experienced young people.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., 1989 Children Act, Leaving Care Act 2000).
• Ability to work with others and to be non-discriminatory.
• Experience in statutory children & families social care and conducting assessments.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs and develop plans by carrying out assessments and create, implement, and review pathway plans in line with policy and legislation.
• Support care leavers with practical advice and emotional support, helping them access entitlements.
• Promote engagement and aspirations, supporting planning, reviews, and education goals.
• Maintain accurate, timely records reflecting the young person’s voice and journey.
• Collaborate to deliver holistic support and contribute to service improvement.
• Contribute to a bespoke care leaver hub delivering groups and activities.

Skills

Driving licence

Understanding development

Legislation awareness

Teamwork

Experience in statutory care

Education

Level 3 qualification in Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.

Within our Care Experience Team, our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do - ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential. We’re proud to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and we’re on an ambitious journey to become ‘Outstanding’. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team - this is your opportunity.

Join Gateshead Council Where People Make the Difference

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Personal Advisor to join Care Experience Team.

What You'll Do

• Assess needs and develop plans by carrying out assessments and create, implement, and review pathway plans in line with policy and legislation.
• Support care leavers by providing practical advice and emotional support, ensuring young people understand and access their entitlements.
• Promote engagement and aspirations to encourage participation in planning and reviews, and support education and future goals.
• Maintain accurate records ensuring timely, compliant record keeping that reflects the voice and journey of the young person.
• Work collaboratively to deliver holistic support and contribute to continuous service improvement.
• Continuous development of a bespoke care leaver hub delivering groups and activities for care experienced young people

What You'll Bring

• Level 3: You will hold a relevant level 3 qualification, or equivalent, in Social Care, or support to children and young people. A current driving licence and access to a car, or means to mobility support is also an essential requirement of the post.
• A demonstrable understanding of human growth and development, in particular the insecurities faced by Children in Our Care as they make their transition to adulthood.
• A working knowledge of the range of issues that Care Experienced young people might expect to face as and the legal framework affecting Care Experienced people (in particular the 1989 Children Act and Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and related Regulations).
• An understanding and ability to apply relevant legislation and guidance.
• Ability to demonstrate working with others and behaving in a way that respects the rights of others, taking into account their needs and not be discriminatory.
• Experience of working in a statutory children and families social care setting and undertaking assessments, analytical report writing.

If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

What's In It For You

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.