Job Role:  Personal Advisor (Unaccompanied and Separated Children)

MPA are currently recruiting on behalf of our public service client for Personal Advisor, Unaccompanied and Separated Children in the Belfast Area.  

The Personal Advisor will work to support unaccompanied and separated children who are in care or leaving care by fulfilling Personal Advisor duties to a satisfactory standard in accordance with statutory requirements and the policies and procedures of the Trust.

Location – Belfast

Hours of Work – 37.5 Hours per week (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Salary - £12.86

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advice, including practical advice and support to Unaccompanied and Separated Children as agreed in the Pathway Plans/ Looked After Children (LAC) reviews.
• Offer support in the form of mentoring to and advocacy on behalf, of the young person, where appropriate.
• Complete visits to the young person’s placement/accommodation, ensuring tenancy is maintained to a good standard and to support the young person to liaise with housing provider regarding any repairs or issues in the property.
• Participate in assessing the needs of young people leaving care and contributing to preparation of pathway plans or care plans.
• Participate in reviews of the pathway plan/Looked After Children (LAC) reviews and request revisions to the plan where appropriate.
• Liaise with the other professionals in the implementation of the support plan as required.
• Co-ordinate the provision of services and to take reasonable steps to ensure that young people make use of such provisions.
• Stay in touch with young people and keep informed about their progress and wellbeing, which will require the ability to work unsocial hours at times.
• Support young peoples’ participation in pathway planning and help them to represent their own wishes and views.
• Maintain written records of contact with young people in accordance with the Belfast Trusts policy and procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, regular supervision meetings and recognised training opportunities as agreed with the line manager.
• Contribute to the development and review of the Unaccompanied and Separated Children service.
• To develop and promote effective working relationships and links with other agencies and resources namely Home Office, Independent Guardian Service,

Essential Criteria:

• 5 GCSEs at Grade A-C including English language or equivalent.

• Minimum of two years’ direct and recent experience of engaging with adolescent young people, on an individual basis, either in a paid or voluntary capacity.

• Experience and understanding of working with others, e.g. social workers,
• accommodation providers, GPs, teachers, the voluntary sector, police etc. to meet the needs of young people.

• Full driving licence and access to a car.

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’