Personal Advisor

7 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To contribute to the effective operational delivery of Children’s Social Care services by providing high-quality support to care leavers and young people transitioning from care. The Personal Adviser will be responsible for supporting allocated cases, promoting the welfare, independence, and positive outcomes of young people, and ensuring support is delivered in line with national legislation, departmental procedures, and best practice guidance.

The post holder will provide advice, practical assistance, and coordinated support to help care leavers achieve positive outcomes across areas including accommodation, education, training, employment, health, financial capability, relationships, and community participation. The role will also contribute to maintaining the reputation and effectiveness of the service and the wider Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice, guidance, and practical support to care leavers to help them develop independence and achieve positive outcomes, including support with finances, accommodation, education, training, employment, leisure, cultural activities, and community involvement.
  


• Support the assessment, preparation, monitoring, and review of Pathway Plans, ensuring they are person-centred and reflect the aspirations, needs, and circumstances of each young person.
  


• Promote and support positive relationships between young people and their birth families, including facilitating contact arrangements where appropriate.
  


• Coordinate access to relevant services and support networks to ensure care leavers receive appropriate assistance.
  


• Maintain regular contact with allocated young people and monitor their progress, wellbeing, and changing needs.
  


• Support young people to maintain positive physical and emotional health and access specialist services where required.
  


• Encourage the development of confidence, independence, resilience, and decision-making skills.
  


• Identify and assess risks and needs, ensuring safeguarding concerns are reported and managed in line with legislation and local procedures.
  


• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, community organisations, and other professionals to provide effective support.
  


• Attend and represent the service at meetings including reviews, case conferences, and multi-agency discussions.
  


• Maintain accurate, timely, and up-to-date case records, including electronic case management systems and performance information requirements.
  


• Ensure confidentiality, data protection requirements, and information-sharing procedures are followed at all times.
  


• Ensure case-related expenditure is appropriately authorised, recorded, and managed.
  


• Contribute to service development through team meetings, training, supervision, performance reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
  


• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the needs of the service.
  

Requirements

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of working with children, young people, care leavers, or vulnerable adults within a support, social care, housing, education, or community setting.
  


• Understanding of the needs and challenges experienced by young people leaving care.
  


• Knowledge of safeguarding principles, relevant legislation, and good practice when working with vulnerable young people.
  


• Understanding of person-centred approaches and the importance of empowering young people to achieve independence.
  

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people and professionals.
  


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide advice, guidance, and practical support.
  


• Ability to assess needs, identify risks, and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  


• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and maintain accurate records.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partner agencies.
  


• Ability to support young people in developing confidence, resilience, and life skills.
  

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Relevant qualification or experience in social care, youth work, education, housing, or a related field.
  


• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and promoting positive outcomes for young people.
  


• Ability to work flexibly in line with service requirements, including attending meetings and contributing to wider service activities.
  


• Satisfactory enhanced background checks where required for working with children and vulnerable young people.
  

Additional Information