Leaving Care Worker – Somerset Council
UK Job Opportunity | Care-Experienced Young People | Yeovil
Overview
Somerset Council is recruiting a Leaving Care Worker to support young people aged 16–25 who are in care or have care experience as they prepare for adulthood and independent living.
This is a 1-year fixed-term position based in Yeovil, Somerset, offering the opportunity to work directly with young people and partner organisations to help improve outcomes across education, employment, housing, health, wellbeing and independent living.
The successful candidate will build positive and trusting relationships with young people, provide trauma-informed support and, from age 18, act as a Personal Adviser, helping care leavers work towards the goals set out in their Pathway Plans.
Job Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Leaving Care Worker |
| Employer | Somerset Council |
| Location | Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT |
| Salary | £28,598 – £32,061 |
| Grade | Grade 12 |
| Contract | 1-year fixed term |
| Working Hours | 37 hours per week |
| Closing Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Job Number | 852/SR |
| Working Arrangement | Office-based with flexible/hybrid working where service needs allow |
| Travel | Some travel across Somerset is required |
About the Leaving Care Worker Role
As a Leaving Care Worker, you will support young people aged 16 and over who are in care or are care-experienced.
Your role will focus on helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, skills and independence they need to successfully transition into adulthood.
You will establish consistent and trusting relationships with young people and provide support that is tailored to their individual needs, strengths, circumstances and aspirations.
You will work closely with social workers, families, education providers, housing services, health professionals and other partner agencies to ensure young people receive coordinated support.
From the age of 18, you will act as a Personal Adviser, providing guidance, advocacy and practical assistance while helping young people work towards realistic goals through regularly reviewed Pathway Plans.
Key Responsibilities
As a Leaving Care Worker, your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting care-experienced young people aged 16–25 to develop independence.
- Helping young people successfully transition from care into adulthood.
- Building positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
- Providing trauma-informed and relationship-based support.
- Helping young people identify and achieve realistic personal goals.
- Supporting young people with education, training and employment opportunities.
- Helping young people secure suitable accommodation.
- Supporting young people to develop financial management and independent living skills.
- Promoting health, wellbeing, resilience and personal safety.
- Acting as a Personal Adviser for eligible young people from age 18.
- Creating, implementing and reviewing Pathway Plans.
- Advocating for young people’s rights, needs and interests.
- Working collaboratively with social workers, families and partner agencies.
- Developing effective multi-agency relationships.
- Identifying and reducing barriers affecting young people’s progress.
- Managing safeguarding and risk concerns appropriately.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
- Managing an allocated caseload effectively.
- Visiting young people in their homes or supported accommodation.
- Working flexibly across Somerset when required.
What Somerset Council Is Looking For
Applicants should have a good understanding of issues relevant to care-experienced young people and the transition to adulthood.
The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in areas including:
- Child development.
- Trauma and trauma-informed practice.
- Safeguarding.
- Mental health.
- Leaving care legislation.
- Supporting care-experienced young people.
- Promoting independence.
- Assessing individual needs.
- Caseload management.
- Advocacy.
- Partnership working.
- Relationship-based support.
You should also have strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to develop effective professional relationships with young people and other agencies.
Essential Skills and Qualities
The role requires someone who can:
- Build strong and trusting relationships with young people.
- Communicate clearly and effectively.
- Advocate for young people’s needs and interests.
- Assess needs and identify appropriate support.
- Manage a caseload effectively.
- Work independently while contributing to a wider team.
- Work effectively with multiple agencies and professionals.
- Provide consistent and trauma-informed support.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding and risk concerns.
- Promote equality, inclusion and independence.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
Working Environment
The role is based at Brympton Way, Yeovil, with the option to work flexibly from home where service requirements permit.
Some travel across Somerset will be required for meetings, visits and other work-related activities.
The council supports flexible working arrangements and aims to maintain a positive and supportive working culture.
Salary and Contract
The position offers:
£28,598 – £32,061 per year
The successful candidate will be appointed to Grade 12.
The role is offered on a:
1-year fixed-term contract
Working hours are:
37 hours per week
Employee Benefits
Somerset Council offers a range of benefits, including:
- 28 days’ annual leave in addition to bank holidays.
- The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities.
- A supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development.
Visa Sponsorship Information
Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
Somerset Council has confirmed that it is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.
UK-based applicants with existing UK right-to-work status only.
Candidates who require a new visa sponsorship or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) should not apply for this vacancy.
Who Could Be a Good Fit?
This vacancy may be suitable for candidates with experience in areas such as:
- Leaving care services.
- Children’s social care.
- Young people’s support services.
- Care-experienced young people.
- Youth work.
- Family support.
- Personal Adviser roles.
- Social care support.
- Supported accommodation.
- Community support.
- Safeguarding and vulnerable young people services.
Applicants should carefully review the official job description and vacancy requirements before applying.
Job Description
The official job description is available as:
AG0995 Leaving Care Worker
Applicants should review the full job description for complete information about the role, responsibilities and requirements.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Somerset Council careers website.
Employer: Somerset Council
Job Title: Leaving Care Worker
Job Number: 852/SR
Location: Yeovil, Somerset
Closing Date: 26 August 2026
For an informal discussion about the position, candidates can contact:
Daniel Knott
Email: daniel.knott@somerset.gov.uk
Important Application Information
Before applying, candidates should ensure that they:
- Meet the requirements of the vacancy.
- Have the required experience and knowledge.
- Can demonstrate relevant experience supporting young people.
- Understand safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
- Have the legal right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
- Are available to work 37 hours per week.
- Understand that the position is a 1-year fixed-term contract.
- Are able to travel across Somerset when required.
About Somerset Council
Somerset Council is committed to improving lives and delivering better services for communities across Somerset.
The council promotes equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from candidates with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Key Vacancy Summary
Leaving Care Worker
Somerset Council
Yeovil, Somerset
£28,598–£32,061 per year
Grade 12
37 hours per week
1-year fixed term
Closing date: 26 August 2026
Visa sponsorship: Not available
UK right to work required