18+ Support Officer (Personal Advisor) (2 posts)

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced 18+ Support Officer (personal advisor) to join Children in Our Care and Care Experienced Service.

At Gateshead our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do - ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential.

We are an Ofsted "Good" rated local authority and in a recent Focussed Visit in September 2021, inspectors told us:

"Gateshead's highly skilled, committed and caring social workers and their managers in the front door teams provide sensitive, innovative child-centered help and protection to most children seen during the visit. Continuously strong, ambitious and effective senior leadership has resulted in sustained improvements.

Closely aligned, mature professional partnerships work together effectively to safeguard children from harm.

Staff report that they feel valued in their work and professional development and that their personal well-being is prioritised."

You will possess a sound demonstrable understanding of human growth and development. In particular being competent in understanding the insecurities faced by Looked After Children as they make their transition to adulthood.

A working knowledge of the range of issues that care leavers might expect to face as they make their transition to adulthood and the legal framework affecting care leavers (in particular the 1989 Children Act and Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and related Regulations).

You will also have an understanding and ability to apply relevant legislation and guidance.

You will be able to demonstrate working with others and behaving in a way that respects the rights of others, taking into account their needs and not be discriminatory. Experience of working in a statutory children and families social care setting and undertaking assessments, analytical report writing, and effective communication skills is essential to fulfil the role of an 18+ Support Officer.

You will hold a relevant level 3 qualification, or equivalent, in Social Care, or support to children and young people. A current driving licence and access to a car, or means to mobility support is also an essential requirement of the post.

It would also be desirable to have experience of working with child protection, have IT skills and experience of safeguarding and working with looked after children and young people.

During the selection process candidates will be assessed against the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.

Great transport links with the use of reliable and frequent public transport and have access to a discounted Annual Pass. You will also have use of Co-wheel pool cars and access to the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
A generous annual leave package of 28 days (2 of which are fixed), increasing to 30 days (plus 2 fixed) following 5 years' service. You will also have the opportunity to purchase up to 10 days extra leave via our Annual Leave Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
Access to the flexi scheme
Being a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Eligibility to access a range of other staff offers and discounts such as:

Reduced rate membership for GO Gateshead Leisure Services
Health Shield which provides a wide range of innovative products that help to improve long-term health and wellbeing via a health care plan.
O2 open discount scheme
Virgin Media partner discount scheme
Dell Advantage discount programme