This is a fixed term contract position until 31st March 2025 with a possibility to extend.
About the project
The Side-by-Side project aims to provide children in care with the same opportunities as those who have not been in care. Children and young people in care can find it hard to navigate the care system and leaving care can be a difficult and complex time in their lives. Amongst those leaving care are children and young people with different needs, with some being at risk of exploitation, some recognised as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child in the UK or some having an identified mental health issue.
Sadly, far too many care leavers are thrust into the world before they are ready, facing life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.
The Side-by-Side project provides a mentoring and befriending service to support and ease the transition when there are life changes as the young person works towards the next stage of their lives as a care leaver.
About you
We are looking for a Project Worker to work directly with care leavers in Norfolk, acting as a mentor and befriender as young people transition to being a care leaver.
Through this mentoring relationship, you will support the care leaver with their individual goals and aspirations to help them progress to a positive and independent future. You will do this by:
* Having regular meetings with the care leaver, supporting them to positively review their situation.
* Ensure that care leavers understand their rights.
* Identify if additional services are required and provide signposting and referral routes as appropriate.
* Support with job applications/ cv/ interviewing skills.
* Support with the completion of formal applications for housing or education.
* Safeguarding and promote the welfare of care leavers.