At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young care leavers aged 18-25 in their transition to adulthood.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Bexley, dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £15.75 per hour and meaningful work experience.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for travel and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young adults.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting care leavers or vulnerable young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 42000 € per year.
The London Borough of Bexley is seeking 2 Personal Advisors to support young people and care leavers aged 18-25 who were previously in care. The role will involve holding an allocated caseload, completing assessments of need, preparing and reviewing Pathway Plans, providing practical support and advocacy, and helping care leavers make a successful transition into adulthood.
The successful candidate will support young people with housing, education, employment, benefits, budgeting, health, immigration issues, safeguarding, risk assessments and access to appropriate services. This role requires strong care leaver / young person support experience, good case recording skills and the ability to work with vulnerable young adults with complex needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold and manage an allocated caseload of care leavers aged 18-25
- Provide information, advice and guidance based on individual needs
- Complete assessments of need to inform Pathway Plans
- Lead on preparation, completion, monitoring and review of Pathway Plans
- Maintain regular contact with young people wherever they live
- Complete full and concise records within timescales
- Support care leavers to access housing, benefits, education, employment and training
- Liaise with agencies including health, probation, solicitors, Jobcentre Plus, colleges and universities
- Advocate for young people in formal meetings, courts, tribunals, placement meetings and assessments
- Complete risk assessments, referrals and applications for appropriate housing
- Support young people with setting up home grants, university bursaries and budgeting
- Offer advice on welfare benefits and signpost to financial support services
- Support young people with unresolved immigration issues where required
- Complete Human Rights Assessments where relevant for young people with refused asylum claims
- Support young people affected by substance misuse, domestic abuse or mental health issues
- Complete safety plans and referrals to appropriate organisations
- Work with parents, carers and families where this supports positive outcomes
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience supporting care leavers, looked after children, vulnerable young people or young adults
- Experience managing a casework caseload
- Experience completing assessments of need and support plans
- Experience contributing to or preparing Pathway Plans
- Understanding of statutory guidance and legislation relating to care leavers
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and working with young people with complex needs
- Ability to work in a multi-agency way with health, housing, probation, education and employment services
- Ability to advocate for young people and support them in formal meetings
- Strong written recording skills and ability to maintain accurate case notes
- Ability to complete risk assessments and referrals
- Understanding of housing, benefits, budgeting and accommodation issues affecting care leavers
- Ability to work flexibly, including visits and possible travel where required
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with young people
Desirable
- Experience using the Signs of Safety model
- Experience supporting young people with immigration or asylum-related issues
- Experience supporting care leavers into education, employment or training
- Experience with setting up home grants or leaving care financial support
Interviews will be held on site. Candidates may be required to travel to maintain contact with young people depending on their circumstances.
Personal Advisor - Leaving Care - Young People in Bexleyheath employer: Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
The London Borough of Bexley is an exceptional employer, dedicated to supporting the growth and development of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. With a strong focus on collaboration and advocacy, the work culture fosters a supportive environment where Personal Advisors can thrive, offering opportunities for professional development and training. Located in the heart of Bexleyheath, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere and access to various resources that enhance their ability to support care leavers effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Advisor - Leaving Care - Young People in Bexleyheath
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills required for a Personal Advisor. This way, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show that you’re the perfect fit for supporting young people in their transition.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in children's services or social care on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with others in the field can lead to valuable insights and even job leads. Plus, it shows your commitment to the sector!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload and support vulnerable young adults. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of the resources we offer to help you land that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Advisor - Leaving Care - Young People in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience supporting care leavers or vulnerable young people. We want to see how you've made a difference in their lives, so share specific examples that showcase your skills and understanding of their needs.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experiences with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-organised applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Personal Advisor. Brush up on your knowledge about Pathway Plans, assessments of need, and the specific challenges faced by care leavers. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand it deeply.
✨Share Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience supporting young people or care leavers. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully managed a caseload or advocated for someone in a formal setting. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
This role is all about supporting vulnerable young adults. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with their situations. Talk about how you would approach sensitive topics like housing or mental health issues, showing that you can build trust and rapport.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for staff, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the job is the right fit for you.
