Leaving Care Worker

The Leaving Care Worker plays a vital role in supporting young people aged 16 and over who are currently in care or have previously been in the care of Somerset Council. You'll work closely with each young person and other professionals to understand what kind of support they need, looking at all areas of their life. You'll support a group of care leavers, offering them personal support and acting as their Personal Adviser once they turn 18. This includes working with social workers and other agencies to create and review Pathway Plans. You'll use different tools to assess each young person's needs and deliver support that helps them make positive changes in their emotions, attitudes, and behaviours. This includes helping them stay safe and healthy-physically, emotionally, and mentally. The purpose of the role is to work directly with these young people as they begin the transition toward adulthood, helping them to build the confidence, skills, and stability they need to live independently. This involves forming strong, trust-based relationships and providing consistent, trauma-informed support that recognises each young person's individual experiences, needs, and aspirations. You'll be part of a wider team that shares responsibility for supporting care leavers, and you'll regularly take part in reflective supervision to review your practice, share learning, and ensure the best outcomes for young people. Much of the work takes place where care leavers live, which means you'll often be visiting them in their homes or supported accommodation. This can involve extensive travel across Somerset and sometimes beyond, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are essential parts of the role.

Key responsibilities

• Support young people 16-25 who are, or have been, in the care of Somerset Council.
• Work alongside social workers to help young people plan for adulthood.
• At 18, assume the role of their personal advisor, continuing to support young people in setting and achieving personal goals.
• Liaise with the young person, their family, carers, social worker and other relevant multi-agency professionals in co-developing and reviewing Pathway Plans with and for young people.
• Support young people in finding suitable housing, whether they're leaving their foster home, moving out of supported accommodation, or facing homelessness. Direct experience working with young people aged 16-25.
• Proven ability to engage and build trusting relationships with young people who may present with complex needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of care-experienced young people, including mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice, attachment theory, and child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience in and understanding of the collaborative nature of multi-agency working., This role can involve extensive travel, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are essential for this role. At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council.

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