About the Role
Personal Adviser – Leaving and After Care Service – Fixed Term, Full Time
Location: Harlow
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us. Essex County Council has been named Outstanding by Ofsted and crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years.
Please note that this is a fixed term contract/secondment opportunity for 12 months. As an Operational Field Based Worker, the role involves a combination of community, remote and office-based working. You will be expected to attend Goodman House, Harlow approximately 2–3 days per week in addition to other business needs. Other Essex County Council offices may be required during the fixed term contract.
Responsibilities
* Provide practical, personal, and emotional support to young people to meet assessed needs and promote health, development and wellbeing (including domestic tasks and transport where necessary).
* Advise and support young people leaving care in health, benefits, education, training, employment, accommodation/housing and personal well-being.
* Facilitate and contribute to the assessment of need and ongoing monitoring and reassessment over time.
* Identify and help young people overcome barriers to learning; enable self-advocacy and informed decision-making.
* Advocate on behalf of young people who lack essential skills to do so themselves.
* Develop Pathway Plans and Personal Action Plans; encourage engagement in the development of services.
* Work in diverse formats (one-to-one, groups, drop-ins) and collaborate with colleagues across social services and external agencies.
* Maintain timely records and write reports in line with directorate policy; attend required meetings and build interagency networks.
* Support transitions from childhood to adulthood and ensure needs are met within agreed plans.
* Be flexible to work outside standard hours and travel as required across the wider operational area.
Qualifications
Essential
* Experience in a supportive role with young people, including work with young parents.
* Experience in paid or voluntary work with children, young people, and families.
* Ability to collaborate with professionals and agencies for client benefit.
* NVQ3 or equivalent qualification.
Desirable
* Experience of housing, employment and training issues for young people.
* Knowledge of adolescence and related issues.
* A commitment to supporting developing independence and ongoing professional development.
Role mobility: The role requires mobility around Essex and beyond, including transporting service users and belongings; ability to perform in emergencies.
Benefits
* Healthy work-life balance
* Wide range of learning and development opportunities
* IT and home-working equipment supplied
* 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy extra
* Generous Local Government pension scheme
* Access to Essex Rewards discounts and benefits; LifeWorks health and wellbeing platform
* Up to 4 days per year volunteering leave
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We encourage reasonable adjustments during the process and are Disability Confident. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet minimum requirements.
How to apply
Start your journey within our Children and Families Function by clicking the APPLY button now. For more information or questions, please email: Resourcing.Team@essex.gov.uk.
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