Overview
* Flexible working available, using a hybrid model and in line with the needs of the service.
* There are extensive training opportunities to support you in your role.
* 28 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays pro rata.
* Permanent, part time for 22.5 hours per week.
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 balancing direct contact with the young people alongside multi-agency working, recording, conducting assessments and writing plans. It can be challenging and emotionally demanding but is also rewarding.
* Support care leavers aged 16-25.
* Make sure care leavers have access to all their care leaver entitlements.
* Provide information, advice and guidance.
* Support care leavers to access services which will help them achieve their goals and live independently as young adults.
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you are a personable, motivated self-starter with a desire to work successfully within a high performing team.
Qualifications and Experience
* Significant experience of direct working with older teenagers/young adults who are, or have been, in a care setting and/or young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour.
* A full understanding of child development, the needs of young people who are, or have been, in care and come from another culture. Knowledge of Child Care and Leaving Care legislation and an understanding of safeguarding issues for children and young adults.
* Knowledge and understanding of assessment and planning processes for young people.
* A good level of communication, advocacy and presentation skills to enable engagement with a wide range of young people, their families, colleagues and other agencies. Skills in engaging and influencing young people some of whom may be challenging and/or resistant to intervention.
* An ability to manage conflicting priorities, crises and some stressful work.
* Sound recording skills and an ability to write good quality, concise reports and plans that include analysis, and are SMART.
* A good all round standard of education to at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 and above or equivalent. Vocational qualification (or acquired knowledge) equivalent to Level 3 Qualification Credit Framework Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.
* Experience of direct working with young people which would preferably include care leavers.
* Knowledge of child and adolescent development and needs of young people who are care experienced.
* Excellent recording skills and good organisational and time management skills.
* An innovative and creative approach to engaging young people, some of whom may be resistant to intervention.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
* To be be inquisitive, keen to learn new skills, attentive and enjoy working within process and guidelines.
* To understand, uphold and promote;
* The aims of the Council's equality, diversity and inclusion policies
* Health, safety and wellbeing of self and others Somerset Council's Organisational Values and behaviours
You will need to be able to travel across the County and sometimes further as many of the young people live at distance from Somerset.
Benefits
* We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
* Staff discounts in gyms.
* Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
* Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
* A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.
The salary range for this role is £17,390 to £19,493 per annum for 22.5 hours per week.
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management.
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