Leaving Care Personal Advisor

Location:

County Hall / Countywide, Leicestershire

Service:
Children in Care – Care Leaver Team

Grade:
Grade 9

Make a lasting difference in a young person's future! Are you passionate about helping young people build confidence, achieve independence and create positive futures? Leicestershire County Council is looking for a dedicated Extended Personal Advisor to join its Children in Care Service, supporting older children in care and care leavers as they prepare for adulthood and independent living. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who understands the challenges young people can face during the transition to independence and has the commitment, compassion and practical skills to help them thrive.

As an Extended Personal Advisor, you will work directly with young people, helping them navigate the transition from care into independent adulthood. You will manage a caseload of older children in care and care leavers, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance, practical support and opportunities to achieve positive outcomes. You will work closely with social workers, families, carers and multi-agency professionals to ensure young people receive coordinated, person-centred support tailored to their individual needs.

• Manage a caseload of older children in care and care leavers.
• Develop, oversee and contribute to pathway planning to help young people prepare for independent living.
• Support social workers in preparing looked-after children for adulthood and greater independence.
• Provide practical assistance and guidance to young people, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to manage their lives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, carers and partner agencies to promote positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and reports, ensuring information is documented clearly and professionally.
• Prioritise competing demands, manage deadlines and make sound decisions when working under pressure.
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

Essential requirements include:

• Relevant paid or voluntary experience working with care leavers in a social care or similar setting.
• Experience providing support to young people transitioning from care.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child development, the needs of older children and the challenges faced by care leavers.
• An understanding of the support services available to care leavers and the roles of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Strong communication, organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to produce accurate written records and reports.
• The ability to work effectively with a range of professionals and partner agencies.
• Good IT skills, including email and Microsoft Word.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle, with reasonable adjustments considered where appropriate.
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required, including occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• A Level 3 childcare qualification (NNEB, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) is desirable.