At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 16+ in care to prepare for independent living and achieve personal goals.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering care-experienced youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 28 days annual leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives as they transition to adulthood.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, knowledge of trauma-informed practices, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 32061 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £28,598 to £32,061 per annum
Location: Shepton Mallet
Role summary
As a Leaving Care Worker, you will support young people aged 16+ who are in care or care‑experienced, helping them prepare for adulthood and independent living. You’ll build positive, trusting relationships and provide consistent, trauma‑informed support tailored to each young person’s needs, strengths and aspirations. As young people move into adulthood, you’ll act as their Personal Adviser, supporting them to set and achieve realistic goals around education, employment, housing, health and wellbeing. Working alongside other professionals, you’ll help create and review clear Pathway Plans, advocate on their behalf and ensure they can access the full care leaver offer. Your work will empower young people to build confidence, resilience and a strong foundation for their future.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
- Support care-experienced young people aged 16–25 to prepare for independent living and achieve their personal goals.
- Work alongside social workers to help 16–17-year-olds plan for adulthood, including life skills, education, employment and housing options.
- Act as Personal Adviser from age 18, providing ongoing guidance, advocacy and practical support.
- Co-develop and regularly review Pathway Plans with young people and partner agencies, setting clear, realistic goals and identifying the right support.
- Build strong multi-agency relationships (housing, education, health and social care) to reduce barriers and improve outcomes.
- Provide trauma‑informed, relationship‑based support that promotes resilience, independence and wellbeing.
- Support young people to access suitable accommodation, manage their finances and stay safe and healthy.
- Encourage engagement in education, training, employment and community activities.
- Maintain clear, accurate records and ensure young people understand and can access the care leaver offer.
- Manage risk and safeguarding concerns, taking timely action to keep young people safe.
- Work flexibly across Somerset, regularly visiting young people in their homes or supported accommodation.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development, including the impact of trauma, neglect and disrupted attachment.
- Understanding of trauma‑informed and relationship‑based practice.
- Understanding of attachment theory and how attachment affects behaviour and relationships.
- Insight into the needs, challenges and lived experience of care‑experienced young people.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, policies and procedures for children and adults.
- Understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing issues affecting care‑experienced young people.
- Awareness of barriers to education for care‑experienced young people and how to support engagement and achievement.
- Knowledge of relevant children’s and leaving care legislation and policy.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to anti‑discriminatory practice.
- Experience of working directly with young people aged 16–25.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with young people with complex emotional, behavioural or mental health needs.
- Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership collaboration.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, including managing caseloads and meeting deadlines.
- Experience of supporting young people through transition to independence.
- A good standard of education (A‑level or equivalent, or at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above).
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Strong communication, engagement and influencing skills.
- Ability to assess needs and develop, implement and review plans and interventions.
- Strong recording and report‑writing skills, including producing clear, concise and SMART plans.
- Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of young people.
- Experience of managing and de‑escalating challenging behaviour using trauma‑informed or person‑centred approaches.
- Experience or understanding of housing instability, homelessness, and access to education, training, employment and health services for care‑experienced young people.
- Experience of coordinating support plans and contributing to team or professional meetings.
- Vocational qualification or demonstrable competence equivalent to a Level 3 qualification in the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
Additional Information
- Fixed term for one year with the possibility of an extension.
- 37 hours a week.
- We are happy to consider flexible working patterns – we work hard to sustain a good work-life balance and are passionate about maintaining a positive and supportive working culture.
- You would join a small, friendly and experienced team providing support to care experienced young people in supported accommodation.
- 28 days annual leave.
Leaving Care Worker employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Leaving Care Worker in Shepton Mallet, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises the wellbeing and development of care-experienced young people. The company fosters a supportive work culture that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering 28 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on trauma-informed practices, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with various agencies to empower young individuals as they transition into independent living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leaving Care Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of social work or care support. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals and learn about opportunities. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leaving care work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share why you care about supporting young people. Your genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Leaving Care Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Leaving Care Worker. We want to see how you can support young people in their journey to independence, so be specific about your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with care-experienced young people shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives. We love seeing genuine passion in applications.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Leaving Care Worker. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to supporting young people. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewer. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your ability to form trusting relationships with young people. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your interpersonal skills can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves multi-agency working, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with other professionals. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team to support young people, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to their network.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the support systems in place for care-experienced young people or how the team measures success. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
