Why Southwark?
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with conservation areas, historic buildings, social enterprises and a young, diverse, and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark 2030 and Southwark Stands Together, underpins all that we do.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Our Children's Services is dedicated to providing outstanding support to vulnerable children and families in Southwark. Our systemically informed, relationship-based approach prioritises the needs of each child, working purposefully with families to manage risk, promote positive outcomes, and create lasting change.
Our most recent Ofsted inspection was graded as ‘good’ in all areas. The children in our care said we are a “special council and are like a family to them”. Ofsted also said ‘Staff have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities. They report that they are very well supported by proactive, visible managers, who encourage them to engage in personal development. These events enable them to reflect and focus on making improvements to their practice. Caseloads are manageable, enabling workers to undertake effective direct work with care leavers.’
Are you passionate about helping young people in need make a successful transition to adulthood?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Southwark Council is recruiting a permanent Personal Advisor to join our dedicated Care Leavers Service and play a key role in supporting young Adults as they transition into adulthood. Come and join us and make a difference today!
What You'll Be Doing
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and dedicated individual to work collaboratively with our young adults. You will play a crucial role in supporting and empowering young adults currently in care, as well as those who have left care and are eligible for leaving care services. Through practical and planned interventions, you will help them make a successful transition to adulthood.
Personal Advisors are vital members of our Children’s Services team, fulfilling a statutory function by working with care leavers (aged 18 to 25). You will befriend, advise, assist, to enable care leavers meet their goals by providing direct practical support, working within multidisciplinary networks within the statutory and non-profit sectors.
We are committed to continually improving outcomes for our children, young people and young adults, including increasing the number of young people in education, employment, and training. We also aim to enhance our expertise in safeguarding young adults and ensuring good accommodation outcomes.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a passionate individual who is determined to ensure that all Looked After Children and Care Leavers receive the best opportunities, support, and pathways to successful independence. Your primary goal will be to help our care leaver’s transition to adulthood through practical and well-planned interventions.
To succeed in this role, you will be:
- Organised and committed to working in co production with our young people, determined to deliver the services they deserve.
- Passionate about making a positive impact on care leavers' lives, working with our young people to set clear and SMART goals in their Pathway Plans and helping them achieve their ambitions.
- An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing skills, able to collaborate effectively with our young people.
- Ability to record in a timely way with a first-person approach.
For more information, please see the job description and person specification at the bottom of this advert.
Additional Information
If you would like an informal conversation about this role, please contact James Robinson via email at James.Robinson1@southwark.gov.uk or Leila Lynch via email at Leila.Lynch@southwark.gov.uk
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday - Friday
- DBS Enhanced check required
- You are expected in the office at least three times a week and you will be part of a duty rota.
Closing date: 1st November 2026 at 23:59*
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, in which case we will move the key dates for the process. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interview date: week commencing 9th November 2026
Employee benefits:
You’ll join a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values each of its members and strives for excellence. You’ll also be part of a successful, high-achieving development team making a real difference to the lives of residents across the borough. In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
- A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)
- Strong supportive senior management team
- Regular one to one supervision
- Professional development & training opportunities
- Clear career development pathways
- Agile and flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Season ticket and cycle loans
- Annual Leave starting at 27 days per year, increasing to 35 (with length of service) (pro rata for part time staff)
- Wellbeing programme
- HSF Health plan and eye care scheme
- EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support
- Social clubs and staff groups
Disability Confident (guaranteed interview) scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
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