Job Description
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide a statutory Personal Adviser service to children in care and care leavers aged 16–25, ensuring that all legislative duties are met. The role supports young people to prepare for and achieve a successful transition to independent adulthood through assessment, planning, advice, guidance and ongoing support.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Act as the named Personal Adviser for eligible, relevant, former relevant and qualifying care leavers, holding case responsibility for young people aged 18+.
Assess the needs of young people and develop, implement and regularly review Pathway Plans in line with statutory requirements and agreed timescales.
Provide consistent, practical and emotional support to young people to promote resilience, self-esteem, independence and positive life outcomes.
Coordinate and lead multi-agency support around the young person, working in partnership with education, training, employment, housing, health, voluntary and third-sector agencies.
Support young people to access and sustain education, employment or training, challenging and motivating them appropriately to avoid becoming NEET.
Deliver and contribute to independent living and daily living skills programmes, including budgeting, tenancy readiness and life skills training.
Maintain regular contact with young people through visits, meetings and drop-in sessions, including visits to homes, education settings, accommodation, prisons and courts where required.
Identify, assess and manage risk, escalating safeguarding concerns in line with local authority policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate, timely and child-centred case records using electronic recording systems in accordance with statutory guidance and data protection requirements.
Requirements
A Level standard qualification or equivalent, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
Sound knowledge of legislation relating to looked after children and care leavers, including the Children Act 1989 and Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.
Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults.
Knowledge of education, training, employment, housing, welfare rights and support services for young people.
Awareness of issues affecting care leavers, including mental health, substance misuse, exploitation, offending and social exclusion.
Knowledge of legislation relating to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and care leavers (desirable).
Ability to build and sustain positive, professional relationships with young people, including those who may be resistant or challenging.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to listen, advise, challenge and motivate appropriately.
Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partner agencies.
Good written and IT skills, including the ability to maintain accurate electronic case records and reports.
Ability to work independently, prioritise workload and meet statutory timescales.
Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and travel outside the local area when required.
Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or have complex needs.
Experience of casework or key-worker responsibility (desirable).
Experience of working within multi-agency environments to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
Additional Information
This post requires an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance.
Bi-Weekly Payments
37 Working Hours Per Week
Requirements
Requirements: Relevant experience in youth work or a related field Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and health and safety regulations Strong communication and leadership skills Ability to develop and implement youth work strategies Understanding of the needs of young people and the ability to engage with vulnerable individuals Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion Flexibility to undertake additional duties as required
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