Temporary position until 31 May 2010 (to cover a career break)

Working as a Personal Advisor in the Waltham Forest’s Youth Support Service, you will be expected to deliver intensive support and appropriate advice and guidance to young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to assist them to make informed choices about post 16 opportunities. You will support young people to overcome barriers to progression and to apply for education, employment and training opportunities. You will liaise and network with the other agencies to ensure their individual support needs are met. You may be expected to work from a range of different agencies including schools colleges and other partner agencies.
If based in a school or college, you will liaise with school staff to ensure young people are supported to make a smooth transition from school into a post 16 learning or employment opportunity.

As a PA you will also be expected to undertake outreach activities to identify NEET young people.
To succeed in these roles you must hold either the Connexions Diploma or NVQ4 in the LDSS or an equivalent level 4 qualification in disciplines such as Advice & Guidance, Youth Work, Social work or Teaching. You will also have experience of working with a wide range of organisations and individuals. In addition you will possess a good understanding of the needs of young people and a detailed knowledge of relevant themes in education, employment, training and careers, and the ability to apply that knowledge.

You should also have at least 2 years experience of working with young people in a paid or voluntary capacity where there has been personal caseload responsibility and/or the giving of advice & guidance.

The interview process will comprise of a skills based interview, a screening interview and a panel interview or similar with a group of young people.

Short-listing: 21st & 23rd July 2009
Skills Interviews: 11th & 12th August 2009
Screening Interviews:13th & 14th August 2009
Youth Panel Interviews: 21st August 2009

All posts are available for Job Share except where indicated*. Job details are available on tape upon request.

Job details are available on tape upon request.

It’s an exciting time for the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We have made rapid progress over a short period of time, we are better run and services are improving. We are an ambitious Council that knows what needs to be done to continue our journey of improvement. We want staff eager for a challenge who want to be part of a successful council. Come and work for us and contribute to developing and delivering improving services.

Equal Opportunities

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.
We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace.
The Council is committed to meeting its 4 strategic outcomes contained in its Corporate Equality Plan:
• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
• Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels
• Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.

Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.

For more information please visit: http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/social.htm

Additional Information

• Equal Opportunities Statement
• Application Form
• Job Description
• Person Spec