3 Month Contract With A local Authority Purpose of the Role To support young people who are leaving or have left care to realise their potential and make a successful transition to independent adulthood. The Personal Advisor will provide practical, emotional and advocacy support in line with statutory responsibilities under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and associated legislation. Key Duties and Responsibilities Develop, implement and review Pathway Plans in partnership with young people and relevant professionals in accordance with statutory guidance. Attend and contribute to Social Services planning and review meetings as appropriate. Manage a designated caseload of young people and provide support to unallocated young people when required. Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with council procedures (manual and electronic systems). Prepare written summaries and reports, including court reports and reports for child protection conferences where required. Ensure safeguarding concerns and high-risk issues are promptly reported to line management. Work in a young person-centred way, actively involving young people in planning and decision-making. Ensure young people are informed of available services and understand their rights, including how to make a complaint. Provide practical and emotional support to promote independence, confidence and self-esteem. Accommodation: Assisting young people to access and sustain suitable housing. Finance: Supporting access to benefits and financial support; developing budgeting skills. Education, Employment & Training: Supporting access to education, training and employment opportunities, liaising with Employability Officers where appropriate. Health & Wellbeing: Promoting access to primary healthcare; supporting healthy lifestyles; signposting and referring to specialist services for mental health, substance misuse, and sexual health support. Life Skills: Supporting young people to develop independent living skills, including maintaining a clean and safe home. Social Inclusion: Encouraging participation in social, recreational and community activities. Equality & Diversity: Supporting young people to address racial, cultural, religious and linguistic needs appropriately. Act as an advocate for young people with external agencies including benefits agencies, housing providers, health services, utilities and support services. Work collaboratively with internal colleagues including Social Workers, Residential Workers, Foster Carers, Family Placement Workers and Youth Justice staff. Maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies across Knowsley. Co-facilitate group work sessions for young people leaving care alongside colleagues and partner agencies. Participate actively in team meetings and supervision sessions. Contribute to service development and evaluation. Support managers in ensuring the voice of care leavers influences service design and delivery. Share learning from training opportunities and contribute to continuous service improvement. Requirements A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Education, Social Care or a related field, or significant relevant experience working with vulnerable young people. Evidence of continued professional development. Experience of working directly with vulnerable young people, particularly those in care or leaving care. Experience of supporting young people to develop independent living skills, including housing, budgeting, benefits, education, employment and training. Experience of managing a caseload and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records. Experience of effective multi-agency working. Experience of working in a person-centred way, promoting participation and involvement in decision-making. Knowledge and understanding of the needs and challenges faced by care leavers. Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, Children Act 1989 and 2004, and safeguarding procedures. Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing processes and support services available to young people. Understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, professional boundaries and anti-oppressive practice. Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and maintain electronic records. Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of young people with internal and external agencies. Ability to motivate, empower and support young people towards independence. Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. IT skills sufficient to maintain case records and produce reports. Demonstrates integrity, accountability, respect and effective communication in line with Council values. Commitment to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.