At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care experienced young people in their journey to independence.
- Company: Join a transformative service making a real impact in Lincolnshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people aged 16-25.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and experience with young people.
The Lincolnshire Leaving Care Service is growing and evolving – and we want you to be part of our exciting journey. With a clear vision to achieve an outstanding service, we’re expanding our team and offering two permanent positions within our teams, one based in Lincoln (full time) and another in Sleaford (part time).
Leaving Care is a statutory service offering Information, Advice, Guidance, and Support to Care Experienced Young People aged 16-25 years old. We don’t just support; we encourage, nurture, and empower our Care Experienced Young People to live fulfilling independent lives.
Due to the service continuing to adapt to young people's needs, we now have the opportunity to recruit further workers into our teams across Lincolnshire and build on the Lincolnshire Leaving care’s offer to our care experienced young people. The roles focus on support to those still in care, those young people who have just become adults, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Young People, and older Care Experienced people aged 21 to 25.
Key Responsibilities
- Support our care experienced young people who have recently turned 21 and are feeling ready for further independence.
- Provide guidance through additional support as and when they need it, including signposting on the phone, visiting them at home to help fill in forms, supporting them through appointments, and aiding other teams within leaving care.
- Complete Needs assessments and Pathway Plans for this cohort, and complete case recording and supervisions.
- Carry out face-to-face visits where required, so the ability to travel both locally and nationally is vital.
- Ensure that young people have the right information, advice, guidance, and support to meet their needs, focusing on Accommodation, Health, Education, Employment and Training, Finances, Wellbeing, and skills for independent living.
About You
It is vital that any potential candidates can understand, recognise and manage risks and vulnerability to keep our young people safe. At the root of it all is the need to maintain a strong connection with young people and their network and giving them what they need to be safe, happy and successful adults.
You’ll work with tools like Signs of Safety and Valuing Care to understand and contribute to aspirational Pathway Plans that focus on:
- Accommodation
- Health and wellbeing
- Education, employment, and training
- Financial stability
- Life skills and independence
This is a relationship-based role where your ability to connect, empower, and advocate for young people will make a lasting difference.
What You’ll Do
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young people and their networks.
- Coordinate multi-agency support and lead on planning.
- Deliver targeted interventions and practical support.
- Act as Lead Professional where appropriate.
- Participate in a duty rota to support young people in crisis.
- Travel locally and nationally for face-to-face visits.
About You
We’re looking for passionate individuals who:
- Hold an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- Have experience supporting young people aged 16-25.
- Understand safeguarding, risk management, and child development.
- Can work flexibly, including occasional evening work.
- Are confident working across agencies and cultural contexts.
- Have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a transformative service making a real impact.
- Work in a supportive, multi-agency team.
- Access ongoing training and development.
- Help shape the future of care leavers in Lincolnshire.
For an informal chat about the role, contact Leanne Ward at leanne.ward2@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Please note: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role, and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Personal Advisor - Information, Advice & Guidance Team (IAG) employer: Lincoln
Join Lincolnshire County Council as a Personal Advisor in the Information, Advice & Guidance Team, where you will be part of a transformative service dedicated to empowering care experienced young people. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and adaptability, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Advisor - Information, Advice & Guidance Team (IAG)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lincoln.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lincoln!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lincoln, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lincoln or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Advisor - Information, Advice & Guidance Team (IAG)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lincoln:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lincoln! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
