Targeted Youth Advisor - Children in Care Team

ANNUAL SALARY £19,125 - £25,473

FULL TIME, FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT UNTIL 31ST AUGUST 2013

This is an exciting new opportunity initially until 31st August 2013. We are seeking a Targeted Youth Adviser (TYA) to work in the Achievement Service for Children in Care. The post will work alongside existing Achievement Service staff and ensure young people in care receive the appropriate support and access to opportunities from the targeted team and wider youth service

This is a pilot initiative with a particular focus on young people post 16 and if successful may continue into the future. Applicants will have the opportunity to shape this role and work towards improved Education, Employment and Training outcomes for young people in care.

The successful applicant will also contribute to the process of evaluation to assess impact and outcomes of the pilot. Raising Participation Age (RPA) takes effect from 2013 with eligible young people expected to progress into further education, employment or training until 17 years old. By 2015 this will be extended to 18 years of age. It was agreed in 2010 that the Achievement Service for Children in Care would extend the age range it covers to fit the requirements of RPA. The focus cohort initially will be 15.5 years to 17.5 years old. The successful applicant will be employed by the Youth Service but seconded to the Achievement Service.

Whilst based at County Hall staff will need to work flexibly across quadrants (This is currently North/Mid and South/West for which you will be required to have access to a car).

You will need to be proactive, possessing excellent communication skills, problem solving skills and confidence to challenge and support young people and professionals. There needs to be a good understanding and strong emphasis on education, employment and training.

Key Stage 5 - The role will be to provide representation at one PEP meeting during year 11 to seek the young person's views and plans for education, employment and training and to ensure those plans are discussed and a plan put in place to assign the agreed support. The Service will link directly with the Quadrant teams, districts, IAG Advisors, Transition Pathways Teams to pull together coherent plans with support. There will be close working with the Employability and Skills Unit for apprenticeship opportunities or paid work experience and additionally to access readiness for employment providers. At the meeting it will be agreed with the young person what level of help and support is needed and what information can be shared with providers. For young people placed outside of Essex wherever feasible and realistic there will be attendance at the PEP meeting. Where it is not considered possible there will be direct contact with the school, social worker and young person to ensure the dialogue and planning takes place. Post 16 Young People - In order to ensure effective joining up of services without duplication there will be good communication and understanding of working arrangements between the Transition Pathways Team, Youth Offending Service, SENCAN and colleagues including existing TYA's within the Leaving and After Care teams.

IF YOU ARE APPLYING ON A SECONDMENT BASIS PLEASE DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR CURRENT LINE MANAGER.

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS, AND EXPECTS ALL EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS TO SHARE THIS COMMITMENT.

Our aim is to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Working for Essex welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Working for Essex is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.