Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Southwark Council is seeking two temporary Personal Advisors to join the Care Leavers Service, supporting young people in care or leaving care as they transition to adulthood.
• The role involves working closely with young people, their carers and other professionals to provide guidance, advocacy, and practical support for education, housing, benefits, employment, and independent living.
• This is a 12-week temporary position based in Peckham, Southwark, requiring a combination of office and fieldwork.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Work collaboratively with young adults, carers, and professionals to assess needs and implement plans to support transitions to adulthood.
• Manage a caseload effectively, prioritising tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide written and verbal reports, analysing complex information to inform decisions and planning.
• Contribute to developing, reviewing, and implementing young adults’ pathway plans in line with statutory requirements.
• Attend and contribute to safeguarding meetings, Court hearings, and other relevant forums.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and case notes, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Support and guide young people with access to services including housing, education, benefits, health, training, and employment opportunities.
• Keep up to date with legislation, policies, and local support services relevant to care leavers.
• Work flexibly, responding to urgent needs and providing support at short notice as required.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience working with looked after children, care leavers, or vulnerable young adults.
• Knowledge of issues impacting young people in care, including housing, benefits, exploitation, and independent living.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise tasks under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with young people and professionals.
• Competence in producing clear and accurate reports, documentation, and records.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to meet young people’s needs outside standard working hours.
• Understanding of statutory guidance including Care Leavers Regulations 2010, Children’s Act 1989, Children and Social Work Act 2017, and relevant safeguarding frameworks.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 19/11/2025.
• Hours: 36 per week, core hours 09:00–17:00 (flexible to meet young people’s needs).
• Location: Children’s Specialist Services, 7 Talfourd Place, Peckham, SE15 5NW, UK.
Requirements
• Experience working with looked after children, care leavers, or vulnerable young adults. • Knowledge of issues impacting young people in care, including housing, benefits, exploitation, and independent living. • Ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise tasks under pressure. • Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with young people and professionals. • Competence in producing clear and accurate reports, documentation, and records. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. • Flexible and adaptable approach to meet young people’s needs outside standard working hours. • Understanding of statutory guidance including Care Leavers Regulations 2010, Children’s Act 1989, Children and Social Work Act 2017, and relevant safeguarding frameworks.