Personal Advisor

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

City Liverpool

Province Merseyside

Postal Code L27

Job Information

Community & Social

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Personal Advisor

"Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People, Children's Care, Learning and Development, or an equivalent relevant qualification"

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality advice, guidance, support, and practical assistance to young people aged 16+ who are preparing to leave care or who have left care. The Personal Advisor will work alongside young people to develop independence, achieve positive outcomes, and successfully transition into adulthood.

The postholder will build positive and trusted relationships with care leavers, supporting them with accommodation, education, employment, training, health, wellbeing, finances, and independent living skills. Working in partnership with social workers and multi-agency professionals, the Personal Advisor will ensure that each young person receives tailored support that promotes resilience, aspiration, and long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support to Young People

• Act as the primary source of support, advice, and guidance for care leavers and eligible young people.
• Develop positive and trusting relationships that encourage engagement and participation.
• Support young people aged 16+ throughout their transition from care to independent adulthood.
• Promote young people's emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence, and independence.
• Ensure young people understand their rights, responsibilities, and available support services.

Pathway Planning and Transition Support

• Contribute to the assessment, development, implementation, and review of Pathway Plans.
• Support young people to identify and achieve personal goals and aspirations.
• Assist with transition planning from care into adulthood, ensuring plans reflect individual needs and aspirations.
• Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and provide ongoing practical support.

Accommodation and Independent Living

• Support young people to secure and sustain suitable accommodation.
• Assist with tenancy preparation, housing applications, and maintaining accommodation.
• Provide practical guidance regarding budgeting, cooking, household management, and independent living skills.
• Support young people in developing skills necessary for successful independent living.

Education, Employment and Training

• Encourage and support engagement in education, training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
• Assist with applications, interviews, CV preparation, and career planning.
• Work with colleges, training providers, employers, and support agencies to maximise opportunities for young people.
• Promote achievement and progression into sustainable education and employment pathways.

Financial and Welfare Support

• Provide guidance regarding benefits, allowances, grants, and financial entitlements available to care leavers.
• Support young people to manage finances effectively and develop budgeting skills.
• Assist in accessing financial support and relevant services where required.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with social workers, housing providers, health services, education providers, youth services, and other partner agencies.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and professional discussions.
• Advocate on behalf of young people to ensure their needs and views are represented.
• Maintain effective communication with professionals involved in supporting the young person.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of young people at all times.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Recognise and respond to risks including exploitation, homelessness, substance misuse, mental health concerns, and offending behaviour.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with legislative and organisational requirements.

Administration and Recording

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records.
• Complete reports, assessments, and documentation within required timescales.
• Ensure information is managed in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and information governance requirements.
• Contribute to service monitoring and performance reporting as required.
• Significant experience working directly with vulnerable children, young people, or care leavers.
• Experience supporting young people with complex needs and challenging circumstances.
• Experience of developing positive relationships with children and young people.
• Experience of providing practical advice, guidance, and advocacy.
• Experience working in partnership with multi-agency professionals.
• Experience of completing assessments, support plans, reports, and case records.
• Experience supporting young people with independent living, accommodation, education, employment, or training needs.
• Previous experience working within a Leaving Care Service.
• Experience within Children's Social Care services.
• Experience of housing, welfare benefits, or employment support services.

Essential Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People, Children's Care, Learning and Development, or an equivalent relevant qualification.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 4 qualification in Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Children's Services, or related field.
• Safeguarding training.
• Coaching, mentoring, or youth engagement qualifications.

Knowledge Requirements

• Sound knowledge of legislation, policies, and procedures relating to children in care and care leavers.
• Understanding of Children Act legislation and statutory responsibilities towards care leavers.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and child protection procedures.
• Understanding of housing, financial support, benefits, and entitlements available to care leavers.
• Understanding of barriers faced by young people transitioning from care.
• Knowledge of education, employment, training, and apprenticeship pathways.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and inspire young people.
• Strong advocacy and relationship-building skills.
• Effective assessment and planning skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload and prioritise workload effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Effective report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Good IT skills and experience using electronic recording systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
• A child-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Driven, proactive, and solution-focused approach to supporting young people.

Additional Information

• Hours: 35 hours per week.
• Pay Rate: £22.09 per hour (Ltd).
• Travel: Regular travel throughout Liverpool is required to meet with young people and attend meetings.
• The role involves supporting young people aged 16+ who are preparing to leave care or have already left care.
• The postholder will work closely with the Permanence Service and multi-agency partners to ensure positive outcomes for care leavers.
• Enhanced DBS clearance will be required in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, promoting welfare, and supporting young people to achieve independence and fulfil their potential.