Personal Advisor

Connect2Kent recruit exclusively for Kent County Council. We recruit for a range of Social Work position''s both Locum and Permanent.

Kent County Council are Ofsted rated as ''Outstanding''. We are currently seeking a Personal Advisor to work alongside the Leaving Care team 18-25. This position will be based in the Ashford area of Kent.

Purpose of the Job:

The Personal Advisor will hold a caseload of Care Leavers who have enhanced or standard levels of need within the 18+ Care Leaver service. The role will require the post holder to provide assistance, advice, encouragement and support to Care Leavers to ensure they actively participate and contribute to their Pathway Planning process to enable them to move successfully into independent living.

Main duties and responsibilities:

* Provide individual, regular and consistent support to Care Leavers who have recently left care, as part of an allocated caseload to meet the goals and objectives of the Care Leaver''s Pathway Plan. Undertake ongoing assessments of Care Leaver''s needs to ensure that their Pathway Plan continues to meet their needs. Ensure that this process enables KCC to meet its obligations to the Care Leaver under the Children Act 1989 and the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.

* Work closely with colleagues in the Children in Care teams to ensure successful transfer of young people between the services. Work with other colleagues in the 18+ service to ensure the provision of a seamless service to the Care Leaver.

* Encourage and ensure Care Leavers actively participate and contribute to their Pathway Planning process thereby facilitating their transition to adulthood and independence. Encourage Care Leavers to play an active part in their local communities, liaising with community groups and individuals to aid transition

* Coordinate programmes of education, training and support to individual Care Leavers as part of their Pathway Plan, updating the Plan in consultation with the Care Leaver when required. Notification of changes to the Plan must be communicated and, where appropriate, agreed with the Care Leaver''s support network.

* Liaise with other local authorities when a Care Leaver is residing outside of Kent to ensure Pathway Plans are updated and reviewed in line with Kent policy and procedures for Leaving Care services.

* Using a multi-agency approach, develop close and effective working relationships with key area agencies and partners to facilitate a planned and co-ordinated multi agency area based response to the identified needs of Care Leavers.

* Ensure that information systems and client records are effectively maintained in order to provide up-to-date and accurate information, upon which decisions affecting service delivery can be made.

* Have a good understanding of the financial entitlements available to Care Leavers and ensure accurate and timely requests for financial assistance are submitted to the Team Manager as appropriate in line with Leaving Care Procedures, ensuring that expenditure remains within the specified limits.

Connect2Kent is a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.