Personal Advisor for Care Experience Young People

This position adopts a Hybrid working Style, Minimum 3 days a week in our office at The Civic Offices

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

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of care experienced young people? Reading Borough Council is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Personal Advisor to join our Leaving Care Service. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people aged 16–25 in their journey to independence and adulthood.

As a Personal Advisor, you will:

• Hold a caseload of young people aged 18–25 and support 16–18 year olds as a secondary worker.
• Develop and review Pathway Plans with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Provide direct support to help young people build independence, manage finances, and access education, employment, and community opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies to ensure the best outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance and quality assurance.

About you

We’re seeking a compassionate and motivated individual who is committed to supporting care experienced young people as they transition into adulthood. You’ll need to be confident working both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with young people who may be facing complex challenges.

You should have a good general education (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), along with a sound understanding of child development and the principles of the Leaving Care Act 2000. Experience working with children and young people—particularly those with care experience or from migrant backgrounds—is essential.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Manage a caseload effectively, prioritising tasks and maintaining accurate records.
• Communicate clearly and empathetically, especially with young people who may be reluctant to engage.
• Work creatively to deliver tailored support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.

You’ll also need to be proficient in using ICT systems, committed to safeguarding, and confident in assessing and escalating risks when necessary. A full driving licence and access to a car is required, along with a willingness to work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours support.

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 23rd November 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed