The role will provide support and interventions to young people in or leaving care age 16-25. The personal advisor will be matched with and be the lead worker for a number of young people over 18, carrying out assessment of need and providing practical and emotional support based on the assessment and subsequent pathway plan. The role will also provide support and intervention to young people requiring a service in line with the Southwark judgement.
As a personal adviser you will work independently, providing direct support and interventions to young people under direction and support of the Practice Manager or Assistant Team Manager. You will also have access to practice guidance and support from social workers & senior social workers. You will also fulfil the role and responsibilities of Personal Adviser to young people over the age of 18 that have left care as well as building relationships and offering support to those age 16 and 17. The role will require a flexible approach to providing support to young people outside of office hours as required.
Overall Objectives of the Post:
To provide a high standard of support to young people 16 – 25, in and leaving care to improve their life chances, safety, accommodation needs, education and employment, finance and independence skills.
To engage with young people, to carry out assessment of need, complete pathway plan and offer advice, guidance and support with the outcome of raising aspirations for young people 16-25, in and leaving care.
To work in partnership with colleagues from other agencies to develop and deliver coordinated support packages for young people 16 – 25, in and leaving care.
To help ensure the service works in partnership with young people ensuring their voices are heard and valued and that they have the opportunity to influence service delivery.
To help ensure the team / service works in partnership with colleagues from other agencies from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors to develop and delivered coordinated packages of support that provide a positive journey through intervention and support for the young person.
To support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness following an assessment of need.
To ensure that a customer and user focus results in professional judgements that promote and are respectful of culture, language, ethnic origin, faith, gender, sexual orientation and disability, so that rights and responsibilities are respected.
The candidates must have:
Diploma level 3 in health and social care, or willingness to work towards this
Equivalent qualification in e.g. social care/teaching/nursing/ youth and community work
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Experience of direct work with young people and their families
Experience of child protection and working within policies and procedures
Significant experience of working as a part of a team
Experience of engaging young people to ensure their voice is heard
Personal experience of being cared for and leaving care
Ability to place the young person at the centre of all practice and decision making
Knowledge of current legislation in relation to young people leaving care
Awareness of child and adolescent development, family dynamics, mental health, substance misuse and domestic violence
Ability to establish working relationships with children, families and partner agencies
Ability to support young people in to education, training and employment
Understanding of accommodation options and services available to young people
Ability to work with complex issues affecting young people and maintain the key professional role in coordinating support and interventions for young people
Demonstrates working with others and behaving in a way that respects the rights of others, takes into account their needs and is not discriminatory
Awareness of relevant legislation and statutory guidance
Awareness of the role of key public agencies in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Good verbal and written communication skills
Ability to analyse information and contribute to / complete assessment reports
Skilled in managing competing priorities within timescales
Ability to use technology and ITC systems
Able to challenge and be challenged
Organised and able to organise others
Calm, considered, reflective and decisive
Approachable, able to listen and provide support and leadership to team
Transparent and accountable
Open to innovation and new ways of thinking
Able to delegate appropriately
Provides a positive example to others
Flexible approach to work, inclusive of change management that reflects a young person led service and enhanced support to young people.
Committed to the principles of equality and diversity
Full current driving licence or access to a means of mobility support
Able to work outside of normal office hours
Enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Pay rate: £16.92 p/hr