Summary
This role is a three-month contract position, with the potential for extension, focused on providing essential support to young people aged 16 and above who are preparing to leave care. The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional flexibility required for early evening work. The role includes the option to work from home one day a week once settled. The primary purpose is to deliver a needs-led service that aligns with the authority's equalities policy, acting as an advocate and ensuring tailored pathway plans for service users.
Responsibilities
* Advocate for service users and ensure pathway plans meet their specific needs with clear objectives.
* Operate within a mobile, flexible service, performing planned duties as required.
* Serve as a personal advisor for young people under section 104, including creating and reviewing pathway plans post-18.
* Maintain case responsibility for young people post-18, ensuring pathway plans are reviewed biannually.
* Assess and negotiate outcomes related to health, education, and financial needs of young people.
* Provide direct support to young people living independently, coordinating support for education and training.
* Distribute emergency and miscellaneous payments and manage setting up home allowances.
* Offer individual and group sessions to improve life skills and reduce social isolation.
* Maintain positive relationships with accommodation providers to ensure quality housing options.
* Assist young people in developing relationships and acquiring practical living skills for education, training, or employment.
Requirements
* Knowledge of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014.
* Understanding of adolescent development and child protection issues.
* Awareness of the effects of deprivation on young people.
* Familiarity with equal opportunities and anti-oppressive practices.
* Experience in direct work with young people and multi-agency collaboration.
* Ability to assess the needs of children or young people in social care or independent living settings.
* Experience with the core planning process and working with education, employment, or training providers.
* Minimum of two years in a social care setting with young people.
* Proven ability to establish and maintain professional practice.
* Ability to travel independently throughout Merthyr Tydfil County Borough.
* Enhanced DBS Check required.
* Flexibility to work outside normal office hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.