Personal Advisor to Care Leavers

Working Hours: 37

Potential Interview Date: 12 November 2026

Rutland County Council is looking for a committed and motivated Personal Advisor to Care Leavers to join our Through Care Team. This is an exciting opportunity to support care experienced young people aged 16-25 as they transition into adulthood, helping them to achieve stability, independence and positive outcomes.

As a Personal Advisor, you will build meaningful relationships with care leavers, ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to thrive. You will work alongside Social Workers, foster carers, housing providers, education and training providers, health professionals and partner agencies to deliver high-quality pathway planning that keeps young people at the centre of everything we do. Drawing on your knowledge and experience, you will support young people to develop independent living skills, access education, employment and training opportunities, maintain stable accommodation and work towards achieving their aspirations.

About The Role

As a Personal Advisor within the Leaving Care Service, you will play a key role in supporting young people as they move towards independence. The Leaving Care Service provides a statutory service to young people aged 16-25 who are, or have been, looked after by the local authority.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Supporting allocated young people and maintaining accurate case records and statutory recordings.
• Contributing to assessments and Pathway Plans and ensuring young people are fully involved in planning for their future.
• Supporting young people to access education, employment and training opportunities.
• Providing practical advice and support around housing, budgeting, financial management and independent living.
• Working alongside partner agencies to coordinate services and ensure young people receive holistic support.
• Supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience and independence skills.
• Identifying and monitoring appropriate support packages for young people living in the community.
• Assisting Social Workers and other professionals in implementing assessments, interventions and pathway plans.
• Producing reports and maintaining accurate information systems.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Costs for the DBS are covered by Rutland County Council.

Please note that you will need a full driving licence to enable you to travel across the county.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will

• Hold a minimum of NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
• Have experience of working and engaging positively with young people (age 16-25).
• Have knowledge and experience of working with Care Leavers and supporting them to access education, employment and training opportunities.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Pathway Planning and legislation relating to Children Looked After and Care Leavers.
• Have experience of supporting young people to develop independence skills, including budgeting, tenancy sustainment and life skills.
• Have experience to support the development of young people's independence.
• Understand immigration legislation and be able to support Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children and Care Leavers.
• Be confident working in partnership with a range of agencies and professionals.
• Be able to manage sensitive, confidential and challenging situations appropriately.
• Have excellent communication, organisation and motivational skills.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Relevant Experience

To be successful in this role, candidates may have experience in one or more of the following areas or roles:

• Personal Advisor
• FamilySupportWorker
• Youth Worker
• Residential Childcare Worker
• SupportWorker
• Education, Employment and Training Adviser
• Social Care Practitioner
• Young People's HousingSupportWorker
• Work with Care Experienced Young People and/or Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children
• Probation Officer

Informal enquiries

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Shana Pear, Through Care Team Manager at Spear@Rutland.gov.uk.

We review applications frequently; however, in periods of high demand, the role may close earlier than advertised, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A strong focus on health, wellbeing, and work-life balance

For further information on the benefits of working for Rutland, please see our careers page:Jobs and volunteering | Rutland County Council

Our Values

Our values – Passionate,Ambitious, WorkTogether, and Make a Difference – guide everything we do. We’re looking for people who share these values and want to contribute to strong, supportive teams that deliver positive outcomes for our communities.