Personal Advisor for Care Experienced Young People

12 months fixed term contract

We are looking for a dedicated Personal Advisor to join our Leaving Care Service, working with young people aged 16-25 to help them achieve positive outcomes in education, employment, health, housing and independent living

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

As a Personal Advisor, you will play a crucial role in supporting care experienced young people as they navigate the journey into adulthood. You will manage a caseload of young people aged 18-25 and provide secondary support to young people aged 16-18, helping them develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed to live independently.

Working as part of a supportive Leaving Care Team, you will build positive, trusting relationships with young people, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in their plans and aspirations. You will coordinate support, complete and review Pathway Plans, undertake direct work and work alongside partner agencies to help young people overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

What You'll Do

• Manage a caseload of care experienced young people aged 18-25 years.
• Support young people aged 16-18 as a secondary worker, contributing to Pathway Planning and preparation for independence.
• Complete and review Pathway Plans that identify strengths, needs, goals and support requirements.
• Deliver direct interventions that promote independence, confidence and life skills.
• Support young people with education, training, employment, accommodation and community engagement opportunities.
• Undertake risk assessments and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Develop effective working relationships with families, carers, partner agencies and community organisations.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using electronic case management systems.
• Advocate for young people and ensure their wishes and views influence decision-making and planning

About you

We're looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for care experienced young adults.

You will bring:

• A good general education, ideally NVQ Level 3, A Levels or equivalent qualification.
• Knowledge of child development and leaving care legislation and practice.
• Significant experience working with children and young people in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Experience of working with families, carers and young people with complex needs.
• Experience of working within a safeguarding environment.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and advocacy skills.
• The ability to engage young people who may be reluctant to access support services.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to effectively manage a varied caseload.
• Resilience, creativity and a solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Kayon.Morris-Johnson@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed