N1836 - Virtual School Care Leavers EET Advocate - Role Profile
Join Us in Changing Lives!
Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of young people? Do you believe in the transformative power of education and employment? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Virtual School Care Leavers Education Employment and Training Advocate (EET).
About Us:
At Plymouth One Children’s Service, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our vision is to create a supportive environment that encourages care leavers aged 18-25 to thrive in education and employment. This role is pivotal in driving change and creating pathways for care leavers to reach their full potential.
The Role:
Working within the Virtual School as our Care Leavers EET Advocate, you will lead the charge in developing a dynamic education, employment, and training offer tailored to the needs of care leavers. You will build strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Care Leaver’s Team, Post-16 and Skills Team, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), education providers, employers, and health services, creating a robust support network that champions the needs and aspirations of our young people.
Responsibilities You Will Hold:
- Develop, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive strategy for enhancing engagement and retention of care leavers in education and employment.
- Organise skills boot camps, employability workshops, and other opportunities that prepare care leavers for the local workforce.
- Collaborate across services to ensure effective tracking and monitoring of care leavers' progress, facilitating early interventions when necessary.
- Provide expert guidance and training for professionals working with care leavers to create a cohesive approach to education, employment, and training.
- Empower care leavers to develop high-quality Employment Pathway Plans that align with their unique aspirations and requirements.
Impact You Will Have
- Drive an increase in the percentage of care leavers engaged in education, employment, or training, exceeding national benchmarks.
- Establish a responsive and comprehensive menu of support services and opportunities available to care leavers.
- Enhance professional development through regular training events, ensuring that all staff are equipped to support care leavers effectively.
- Ensure that care leavers with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) receive timely and appropriate support as part of their Employment Pathway Plans.
Who You Are:
You are an ambitious, solution-oriented professional with a passion for youth development and social justice. You have demonstrated experience in education, employment, or training support services, along with the ability to build impactful relationships across diverse cohorts. Your understanding of the unique challenges facing care leavers, coupled with your creativity and innovation, will drive you to deliver exceptional outcomes for young people.
Why Join Us:
- Make a real difference in the lives of care leavers and help them unlock their potential.
- Work in a supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- Enjoy flexibility in your work style, allowing you to balance professional and personal commitments.
- Be part of a dedicated team committed to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are heard.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to empowering the future generation.
Application Process:
We particularly welcome applications from people who have experience of being in local authority care themselves.
To apply, please complete the online application form and provide a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and your vision for supporting care leavers in education and employment.
Join us in creating a brighter future for young people. Your journey starts here!
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced DBS Children’s & Adults Barred List.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Simon Plunkett - Education Consultant 11-17 (LAC) via email, simon.plunkett@plymouth.gov.uk or, telephone 01752 308977, or, please contact Lee Earnshaw - Head Teacher Virtual School via e-mail, lee.earnshaw@plymouth.gov.uk, or, telephone 01752 304671.
Closing date:- Sunday 17 August 2025
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.