Personal Advisor
Hillingdon
Full time: 36/hrs a week
£24.19/hr
Start date: ASAP
AKTON Recruitment is working closely with the local authorities and we are looking for a Personal Advisor in the Hillingdon area.
1. To work in collaboration with qualified Social Workers to assess the needs of looked after young people preparing for adulthood and independence. To attend and contribute to statutory meetings, such as Looked After Reviews and Personal Education Plans.
2. To hold a caseload of 18+ care leavers, which will involve specialising in work with defined young people, for example, but not limited to; challenging behaviour, mental health, young offenders and unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.
3. To participate in the process of coordinating, preparing, implementing, monitoring and 6 monthly reviewing of Pathway Plans for all allocated young people. This may be in a range of settings such as the young person's home address, place of education, council offices, hospitals, and custodial institutes.
4. To fulfil the roles and responsibilities of a Personal Advisor as outlined in the local leaving care policy, procedures, and Local Offer.
5. To be responsible for developing close and effective working relationships with key agencies and partners to facilitate a coordinated multi agency response to the identified needs of care leavers.
6. To advocate on behalf of young people and encourage and empower them in exploring and making decisions to fulfil their potential.
7. To offer practical assistance; supporting a young person to move their belongings, to help a young person buy essential items for their new accommodation using their Setting Up Home Allowance. To ensure a young person has the right access to eligible welfare benefits and other financial support they may be entitled to.
8. To be part of a duty rota system and to work flexibly, including regular lone working and at times unsociable hours.
9. To help organise and attend drop-ins and any relevant activities to engage young people
1. QUALIFICATIONS
- A professional qualification in a field relevant to work with young people of this age.
- This might be a youth work qualification, a post qualifying award, Connexions Personal Adviser diploma, social work, psychology, psychotherapy qualification or child care qualification
2. STATUTORY or ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Driving licence and vehicle
- Ability to travel independently
- A sound understanding of the principles of the Children Act 1989, 2004 relating to 16 to 21 year olds, the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 Regulations and Guidance, Asylum & Immigration Act.
- Understanding of safeguarding children and young people.
3. EXPERIENCE
- Relevant experience working in Schools, Youth Centres, Community Centres, or other Local Authority experiences with children and families.
