Personal advisor

Personal Advisor – Leaving Care Service

Client: Peterborough City Council
Location: Sand Martin House / Chauffeurs Cottage, Peterborough
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid working
Service Area: Children and Young People – Leaving Care

About the Role

Peterborough City Council is seeking an experienced and committed Personal Advisor to join its Leaving Care Service. You will support young people transitioning from care into adulthood, helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve positive outcomes.

You will manage a caseload of care leavers, providing tailored advice, practical assistance and ongoing support in areas such as accommodation, education, employment, finances, health and general well-being. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, families, carers and partner agencies to ensure young people receive the right support at the right time.

The successful candidate will place young people at the centre of their practice, promoting their rights, choices, independence and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of care leavers in accordance with relevant legislation, departmental policies and procedures.
• Develop, review and maintain Pathway Plans to support young people as they transition into adulthood.
• Assess individual needs and deliver appropriate support, guidance and intervention.
• Support young people to secure and maintain suitable accommodation and develop independent living skills.
• Assist care leavers with budgeting, financial planning, benefits and managing living expenses.
• Promote access to education, training, employment, health services and other opportunities.
• Undertake home visits and visits to other appropriate settings to monitor progress and provide support.
• Work in partnership with Children's Social Care, education, health services, housing providers and other relevant agencies.
• Attend and contribute to reviews, case conferences, planning meetings and other professional forums.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and confidential case records using manual and electronic recording systems.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, escalating issues promptly in line with local procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice in all aspects of service delivery.
• Participate in supervision, appraisals, training and ongoing professional development.
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of young people, including lone working and occasional unsocial hours where required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience working with care leavers, looked-after children or vulnerable young people.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by young people transitioning from care to independent adulthood.
• Understanding of Pathway Planning and the support available to care leavers.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and relevant children's social care legislation and guidance.
• Experience assessing needs, developing support plans and managing a caseload.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multi-agency professionals.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to support young people with budgeting, accommodation, education, employment and independent living.
• A commitment to promoting young people's participation, rights, independence and well-being.

Working Arrangements

The role offers hybrid working, with work based at Sand Martin House and Chauffeurs Cottage in Peterborough. The post holder must be able to undertake visits and attend meetings at relevant locations as required.

Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of young people and the requirements of the service.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a proactive, compassionate and resilient Personal Advisor who can build trusting relationships with young people, advocate for their needs and help them overcome barriers to independence.

Candidates with previous experience in a Leaving Care Service, Personal Advisor role or a similar service supporting care leavers are encouraged to apply.

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