What will I be doing?
We're working to improve the lives of care leavers here in Somerset - and you'll be a key part of that. You will support young people who are leaving and have left the care system.
Our workers are engaged in preparation and planning for adulthood from age 16, taking on the statutory function of Personal Adviser for those over 18 potentially to age 25, taking the lead role in delivering and coordinating services to ensure a smooth transition into independent living.
Your day-to-day work will involve supporting care leavers aged 16-25, accessing services to help them achieve their goals and live independently. It will include balancing direct contact with young people alongside multi-agency working, recording, conducting assessments, and writing plans. It can be challenging and emotionally demanding but is also rewarding.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training, and guidance. You should be a personable, motivated self-starter interested in working within a high-performing team. You will need:
* To be inquisitive, eager to learn, attentive, and comfortable working within processes and guidelines.
* Significant experience working with older teenagers/young adults in care settings or with complex needs and challenging behavior.
* Understanding of child development, the needs of care-experienced young people, and knowledge of Child Care and Leaving Care legislation, safeguarding, assessment, and planning processes.
* Good communication, advocacy, and presentation skills for engaging with young people, families, colleagues, and agencies, including influencing resistant or challenging young people.
* Ability to manage conflicting priorities, crises, and stressful situations.
* Strong recording skills and the ability to write concise, analytical, SMART plans and reports.
* At least 5 GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above, or equivalent, and a Level 3 Qualification in Children and Young People's Workforce or similar.
* Experience working directly with young people, preferably care leavers.
* Knowledge of adolescent development and care-experienced young people's needs.
* Excellent organizational, time management, and innovative engagement skills.
Additional requirements
* Upholding and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.
* Health, safety, and wellbeing awareness.
* Ability to travel across Somerset and beyond, as needed.
What’s in it for me?
We offer a supportive, rewarding environment with training and development opportunities, flexible working, generous leave, staff discounts, wellbeing services, pension scheme, and other benefits.
Additional information
The salary for 22.5 hours per week is £17,390 to £19,496 per annum. For more information or an informal chat, contact Dan Knott, Team Leader, at 01935 463948 or via email.
Please include your full employment history in your application and explain any gaps. Start with your most recent employment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Somerset Council is committed to building a sustainable organization valuing diversity and inclusion. This role requires a DBS check.
#J-18808-Ljbffr