At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion educational needs for post-16 Children in Care and support their progression.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving lives of vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive environment, and impactful role.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and strong advocacy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
Are you passionate about improving educational outcomes for Children in Care?
Do you have the expertise, confidence and strategic vision to influence education provision across local authority boundaries?
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated
Post-16 Participation Advocate to champion the educational needs of post-16 Children in Care.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key strategic role, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable children and young people receive high-quality education that enables them to thrive and achieve their potential.
About the Role
The Post-16 Participation Advocate will work across Devon with care-experienced children and young people (and those previously in Care or with a Social Worker, where applicable) to raise aspirations, remove barriers, and support successful progression into post-16 education, training, or employment.
The role focuses on influence, personalised guidance and system navigation, rather than case-holding.
- This role focuses on breaking down barriers to learning, coordinating support, and promoting inclusive practices.
- This role will liaise with Youth Participation in Devon, Youth Justice, and Post16 providers, supporting transition to Post-18.
- This role will oversee the Personal Education Plans for Children in Care and ensure statutory compliance for schools, colleges and Social Workers, is adhered to for our children and their PEPs.
This role will focus across Devon on Post-16 Children in Care, Post-16 Young Asylum Seekers, Post-16 Children with a Social Worker (including those on Child in Need or Child Protection Plans) and Previously Looked After Children, those in Kinship Care and on Special Guardianship Orders.
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure every young person has a clear, ambitious and achievable Post-16 pathway.
- To champion the voice, strengths and aspirations of care-experienced young people.
- To improve participation, retention and achievement at Post-16.
- To reduce NEET risk through early intervention and targeted advocacy.
About You
- Has substantial experience within education, inclusion, Virtual School, school improvement or related services.
- Has a strong understanding of the educational needs of Children in Care and vulnerable learners, especially Post-16.
- Possesses excellent knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and educational pathways.
- Is confident in providing professional challenge and influencing partners at all levels.
- Has exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
- Can work independently, exercising sound professional judgement in complex situations.
- Is highly organised, analytical and outcome-focused.
- Is committed to improving life chances and achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a high-profile and rewarding role that has a direct impact on the lives of Children in Care.
You will join a dedicated and passionate team committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of where they are placed, has access to the education, support and opportunities they deserve.
If you are a strategic thinker, a strong advocate for children and a skilled collaborator who thrives on making a difference, we would love to hear from you.
- Interview Date: w/c 10 August or w/c 17 August 2026
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe.
We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
More information can be found on our .
- For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see
- - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
- Full-time
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Post-16 Participation Advocate (Virtual School) employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
