Leaving Care Support Officer

Do you have a passion for relational practice? Are you an experienced and dynamic practitioner? Do you want an employer who will support you to have the career that is right for you, in a service that is GOOD across all areas? If this is you, then Newcastle City Council is the place for you!

The Role

We are looking to recruit a Leaving Care Support Officer with drive and determination to provide innovative and impactful services to care leavers aged 18 to 25 in Newcastle. The successful candidate will join an experienced and committed team who are focused on supporting young people to make a successful transition from care to independence. You will carry a manageable caseload of young people as they enter adulthood at 18 and support them to establish themselves in independence. You will be willing to go the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people.

Who we are looking for?

You will hold an NVQ level 4 in Social Care or equivalent qualification and have a proven track record in improving outcomes for young people and young adults. You will have experience of supporting young people with a range of issues including housing, health, education, training, employment, finances, emotional well-being and skills for independence. You will have a good understanding of the safeguarding and vulnerability issues impacting on young people, have experience of partnership working and be able to demonstrate the ability to support, advise and inspire others.

Why Newcastle Children’s Social Care?

In February 2022 Newcastle Children’s Social Care was rated as GOOD across all areas by Ofsted. “Social workers are positive about working for Newcastle. They feel well supported through their induction and speak of supportive and available managers. There is a clear workforce development strategy and workforce development plan which ensure that workers are offered a range of training and development opportunities, and progression is supported and encouraged. There are low rates of agency staff and there is stability in the workforce. This ensures that children have stable, allocated social workers they can develop relationships with.”

Through our innovative work as part of the DFE’s Strengthening Families Protecting Children programme, we are implementing a relational and restorative approach across our service and city to transform how we work with children, families and partners, focusing on strengths and values. If you want to continue to grow and develop your skillset now is the time to join us!

As an enthusiastic team player, you will benefit from a dedicated and supportive workplace culture where we will support you to succeed. Our social workers tell us “Newcastle is such a good authority to work for” where “our shared vision and values are really rooted in our practice.” You can hear more about what it is like to work at Newcastle and read our working principles at www.newcastle.gov.uk/csc.

We offer a comprehensive range of training and professional opportunities, that evolves and develops to meet the needs of our workforce at every stage of their career. We are committed to our staff receiving the opportunities they need to develop and flourish at all stages of their career.

In addition, you will receive:

• A dedicated 5-day induction
• Generous annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually
• A range of flexible working options
• A generous Flexi Scheme
• Access to Mindfulness sessions and other wellbeing initiatives
• Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme
• Access to a home electronics scheme and vehicle leasing scheme

Do you think you have what it takes to join our team of excellent and dedicated social work professionals? Apply today.

We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is working in regulated activity. If you are successful, we will undertake additional recruitment checks which will include a check to see if you have had any criminal convictions, a check of police information and we will check the relevant barred list(s). It is a criminal offence for a barred individual to apply for a job in regulated activity.

For an informal discussion, please contact Ben Hooper Team Manager at benjamin.hooper@newcastle.gov.uk or ring 0191 278 2700 and ask to speak to the Care Leavers Team Manager. Apply online at www.northeastjobs.org.uk, select 'Apply Now' and complete our online application form. Any communication sent to you regarding your application will be sent to the email address you have set up on your Northeast Jobs account, so you will need to ensure that you check your inbox.