Leaving Care Personal Advisor

Personal Advisor Oldham Council – Health and Wellbeing Directorate
Safeguarding – Provider Services, Children in Care and Care Leavers

Oldham Council is seeking a committed and passionate Personal Advisor to join our Post-16 / Leaving Care Service, supporting young people aged 16–25 who are, or have been, looked after by the Local Authority.

This is a rewarding frontline role focused on empowering young people to develop independence, achieve positive outcomes, and successfully transition into adulthood.

The Role As a Personal Advisor, you will work directly with care-experienced young people, providing practical, emotional and advocacy-based support in line with statutory responsibilities under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and relevant Children Acts.

You will work in an anti-oppressive, inclusive and young-person-centred way, ensuring equality of opportunity and tailoring support to individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support looked after children and care leavers in line with statutory duties and act as an advocate for young people
  
  
• Develop, implement and regularly review Pathway Plans in partnership with young people and multi-agency professionals
  
  
• Maintain regular contact with young people, ensuring their views and wishes shape planning and decision-making
  
  
• Promote engagement in education, employment, training, accommodation and health services
  
  
• Target and support young people who are NEET, hard to reach, or difficult to engage
  
  
• Maintain accurate, timely electronic records in line with Council policies and procedures
  
  
• Manage a varied caseload effectively, balancing competing priorities
  
  
• Contribute to the duty system (Monday to Friday)
  
  
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners including health, housing, education and voluntary sector services
  
  
• Support team development, including offering guidance to less experienced colleagues
  
  
• Attend supervision, team meetings and relevant training
  
  

Essential Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Child Care, Health & Social Care or a related subject
  
  
• Recent experience working with young people, ideally within a Post-16 or Leaving Care setting
  
  
• Experience of writing reports, maintaining accurate records and updating care/pathway plans
  
  
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, colleagues and partner agencies
  
  
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and Children Act 1989/2004
  
  
• Understanding of safeguarding, equalities and anti-discriminatory practice
  
  
• Confident IT skills to manage electronic case records
  
  
• Ability to travel across the borough
  
  
• Full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle, and business insurance
  
  

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS check required
  
  
• This post attracts an Essential Car User Allowance
  
  
• Occasional work outside standard office hours may be required
  
  

Oldham Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

How to Apply Please send your CV or expression of interest to ? john.deane@servicecare.org.uk

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