At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young adults in their transition to independent living.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to improving outcomes for care-experienced individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and employee wellbeing services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting others, strong communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 33699 £ per year.
- Fixed Term until March 2027
- An exciting opportunity to support care-experienced young adults across Devon
Staying Close is a model which provides an enhanced support package for young people leaving care from children's homes or fostering and is designed to be a comparable offer to the option to Stay Put, which supports young people in foster care to remain with their former foster carers until age 21.
Staying Close provides an offer of move-on accommodation, alongside a package of practical and emotional support, provided by a Support Adviser and support staff.
These bespoke packages of support help develop their confidence and skills for independent living, and for their emotional health and wellbeing.
Devon County Council have recently made being Care Experienced a protected characteristic.
This is a huge achievement for those who have been in the care of the local authority, but there is still a long way to go.
Now is the time to ‘bridge the gap’ in the support and guidance provided to Children and Young People who are Care Experienced.
So… do you want to be involved in a new and exciting opportunity?
Do you have what it takes to make a difference to the lives of care experienced young people?
We have a new project named Staying Close, and are seeking highly motivated, resilient, innovative individuals to join our team, providing support and guidance for those that are Care Experienced across the County.
This project is currently funded until MARCH 2027, with hopes of this being successful and becoming permanent.
This is a fantastic Department of Education initiative, to improve the outcomes for Care Experienced people when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
Your role will manage and monitor a caseload of Young People, aged 18-24 years old, who have varied and often complex levels of needs.
You will ensure that Care Experienced adults, and that those transitioning into adulthood, are placed at the center of our service, are treated courteously, with respect and fairness, and that their voices are heard.
Your role will be fully focused on the needs of the Care Experienced, and be led by those needs in the decisions you are making.
You will oversee the day to day running of the supported accommodation, and other practical issues for Young People, and be able to provide solutions or referrals where necessary.
You will be passionate about making a difference to the lives of Care Experienced people, along with the ability to advise, befriend, mentor, and support them.
If you wish to be a part of this project’s success and feel passionately about helping others and making a change, we would love to hear from you!
Now is the time to Stand Up, Speak up!
Additional information
The salary range for this role is £30,518 to £33,699 per annum (2026/27 salary review pending)
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain benefits such as, ‘cycle for work’ and health screenings.
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
The interview for this role with be 10th August 2026.
Note: We do not sponsor Visas for this post. UK Right to Work is required.
Please note that the ability to drive with access to your own vehicle, a valid UK driving licence and business insurance is essential to the role.
- 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 .
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Support Advisor 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Advisor
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Devon County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Devon County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Devon County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Devon County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Advisor role at Devon County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Devon County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
