Kingston upon Thames & Richmond upon Thames
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company with a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate — enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government.
The Children in Care and Care Leaving Service is responsible for the provision of high-quality care and placements for vulnerable children and young people, and delivers support and planning to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The service also supports young people aged 16–25, including Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children, working creatively to help them achieve their full potential, work towards their aspirations, and have as many opportunities as possible to become independent and settled adults.
As a Personal Advisor, you will work alongside social workers to support young people aged 16 and over who are in the care system, as part of a team and within a multi-agency network. Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing and working collaboratively with young people to understand their needs via pathway planning
- Encouraging and helping young people develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to live independently
- Helping young people develop their ability to manage money, access appropriate and safe accommodation, access education, training and employment, live a healthy lifestyle, and develop and maintain social networks that will sustain them through their lives
About you
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate individual with relevant experience of working with young people, who is committed to helping them thrive and lead fulfilling, independent lives. This is a role where strong relationship-building skills and a creative, flexible approach will make a real difference. The ideal candidate will:
- Have previous experience as a Personal Advisor, in Youth Work, Family Support Work, or a related field (e.g. NVQ4, guidance, Youth and Community work)
- Have experience of direct work with young people in both formal and informal settingsHave experience of building productive relationships with internal and external partners and agencies to ensure young people receive the best possible service
- Be able to work within time frames and meet deadlines amongst competing demands
We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children is committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About Kingston upon Thames
Achieving for Children (AfC) is a community interest company (a not-for-profit social enterprise) created in 2014 by the Royal Borough of Kingston and the London Borough of Richmond to provide their children’s services. In 2017, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead joined AfC as our third owner.
We deliver the full range of children’s services for the three councils. Achieving for Children is a great place to work for those looking for a new challenge.
Our offer to you includes:
A role in an organisation that is supportive
An induction offer that starts before you join and includes a welcome event on your first day of employment.
29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after two years and 35 days after four years
Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
Hybrid or mobile working and the technology and equipment to facilitate this
Positions available in three of the most desirable boroughs in the south - discrete relocation packages are available for selected roles
Travel assistance package for business use, including car and cycle mileage reimbursement, annual season ticket loan or business Oyster cards
Two days accredited Signs of Safety Foundation Training
12 protected Development Days each year for all staff
Access to a huge range of additional professional development opportunities as part of our regional Social Work Teaching Partnership
On occasions we are in the position to offer some additional financial payments for particularly hard to place roles in selected service areas of AfC.
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Personal Advisor - Leaving Care employer: London Social Work for Children
Haringey Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to professional development through the Haringey Academy and access to clinical support, social workers are empowered to make meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families. Located in the dynamic borough of Haringey, employees benefit from a supportive environment, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey towards excellence in children's services.
Contact Details:
London Social Work for Children Recruitment Team
