Aftercare worker

Personal Advisor – Leaving Care Children’s Services | Band 5 | Full-Time

Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Personal Advisor to join a Children’s Services team supporting care leavers and young people transitioning into independent living.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop practical life skills and achieve positive outcomes as they move towards adulthood.

You’ll play a key role in supporting young people before and after they leave care, helping them navigate accommodation, finances, health, education, employment and relationships while ensuring their voice remains at the heart of the support they receive.

About the Role As a Personal Advisor, you will work closely with young people, Social Workers and partner agencies to provide effective, purposeful support in line with the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and Children Act 1989.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting care leavers living independently within the community.
• Working alongside Social Workers to prepare young people for independent living.
• Providing ongoing advice, guidance and practical support to care leavers.
• Helping young people develop essential independent-living skills.
• Supporting young people with accommodation, benefits, health, education and training.
• Advocating for young people when working with other agencies and services.
• Helping young people develop positive relationships with family, peers and other significant people.
• Taking a lead role in implementing and reviewing Pathway Plans.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date electronic case records.
• Ensuring young people's views are heard and reflected in the services they receive.
• Working effectively with partner agencies and participating in multi-agency meetings and forums.
• Contributing positively to the wider team and sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Participating in regular supervision and professional development.

About You We’re looking for someone who can build strong, trusting relationships with young people and provide the encouragement, guidance and practical support they need to move towards successful independence.

You will ideally have:

• An NVQ Level 3 in Childcare/Social Care or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Experience of working with young people.
• Experience of working across multiple agencies.
• Knowledge of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and Children Act 1989.
• An understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Children in Care and Care Leavers.
• A good understanding of safeguarding.
• Strong communication and written-recording skills.
• The ability to support and empower young people to build confidence and independence.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate case records.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
• A commitment to involving young people in decisions about their own lives.

Desirable Experience Applications may be particularly strengthened by:

• A qualification in Social Work or Youth Work.
• Experience of working with Children in Care, Care Leavers or other vulnerable young people.
• Experience of group work.
• Knowledge of housing and benefits legislation.
• Counselling or mentoring skills.

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends where required.
• Ability to travel as necessary to meet the requirements of the role.

Why Apply? This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference to young people leaving care, helping them develop the skills, confidence and support networks they need to thrive as they move into adulthood.

If you have experience supporting young people and are passionate about helping care leavers achieve positive outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.