Young Person Advisor £12.59 per hour 12 Months Contract This Young Person Advisor post is subject to an enhanced disclosure. The Young People’s Service supports Looked After young people, young people leaving care between the ages of 15 and 25, and young people aged 16 who are assessed as being in need. The post holder will undertake the duties of a Young Person’s Advisor as set out in the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 with responsibility for a caseload of young people. The post holder will work closely with each young person, their carers, and a range of agencies such as housing, education and training providers, to support the young person’s transition to adulthood. Ensuring the young person is safeguarded and supported to achieve their goals and aspirations, including a home, education, training, or employment, financial independence and strong social networks. To fulfil the role of a Young Person’s Advisor as set out in the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. Listed below are the responsibilities this role will be primarily responsible for: Hold case responsibility for young people whose assessed needs are commensurate with the grade of the post in terms of their complexity. Work in partnership with young people to monitor and review their individual pathway plans. Undertake planned and outcome focused direct work with young people individually and in group work to support each young person to reach the goals set out in their pathway plan including: Developing and enhancing skills for independent living, including managing finances. Finding a home. Accessing and sustaining appropriate education, training and employment opportunities. Ensuring financial support. Developing a healthy lifestyle and accessing appropriate health services and health promotion services. Sustaining relationships with family and friends, and participating in hobbies, leisure and social activities. Build positive and effective working relationships with young people. Maintain an awareness of each young person’s wellbeing and progress through regular contact. Take reasonable steps to re-establish contact if this is lost. To work proactively and creatively with professionals from within Durham County Council and with partner agencies from the statutory, voluntary and independent sector to ensure each young person has access to resources and services. Act as an advocate for young people where required. To promote and encourage full involvement, consultation and participation of young people in the development and delivery of the service. Ensure accurate records are maintained which reflect decision making. Prepare and present reports where appropriate. Support the team manager and social work consultant to manage risk in relation to young people. Level 3 qualification in a relevant children’s services field or equivalent. Evidence of continuous professional development. Level 4 or higher qualification in Education/Social Care/Social Work/Community Engagement or Health Significant experience of direct work with young people (teenagers) in a social care, health, education, housing or youth and community setting. Direct work with teenagers in a youth work or social care setting e.g. children’s home Delivering group work. Working in partnership with other agencies. Able to form positive and effective working relationships with young people. Able to network, negotiate and advocate on behalf of young people. Encourage young people to have a voice and get involved. Good communication skills including listening and writing clearly. Able to keep accurate records. Information Technology skills. Knowledge of organisations and resources provided by the statutory, voluntary and independent sector for young people. Knowledge of adolescent development and the needs of young people. Working with young people to help them solve problems. Enthusiasm for working with young people to achieve positive outcomes. Commitment to promoting equality and diversity. Emotionally resilient, able to deal with emotional distress and challenging behaviour, including aggression in a calm and controlled manner. Able to work on own initiative, to organise workload, achieve deadlines and work under pressure. Able to work as part of a team. Able to work flexible hours. Full current driving licence or access to a means of mobility support. Able to reflect on own professional practice. Interested Please apply