Derbyshire’s Leaving Care Service are looking for a Leaving Care Senior Practitioner to join our passionate and aspirational, Accommodation, Employment, Education and Training Team. As a Senior Leaving Care Practitioner you will be championing the delivery of the Staying Close, Supported Lodgings and Staying Put accommodation offer. Leading a team of social care professionals delivering the council’s care leaver offer with an emphasis on our accommodation, employment, education and training offer to care leavers. To lead and manage the development and delivery of an efficient and effective care leaver service, embedding Derbyshire’s operating model into all leaving care practice to improve outcomes for children and young people. While effectively supervising and overseeing practice, mentoring and guiding leaving care workers from a systemic and family therapy approach, demonstrating and championing restorative and social pedagogic practice. What we are looking for: A passionate and skilled workforce which is enabling care leavers to progress well and benefit from positive experiences, opportunities and outcomes. The aspirations, wishes and concerns for young people leaving the council’s care are apparent and plans are ‘ambitious’ reflecting a ‘determination for care leavers to succeed in what they want to do.’ A focus on effective transition for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 with support to develop confidence and life skills to negotiate the opportunities and challenges of adulthood. Accommodation needs are carefully considered so young people feel secure and their wishes around location are respected so they can maintain relationships with people who are important to them. There is a clear focus on education, employment and training designed to help young people of all abilities choose the appropriate route to make the most of their opportunities when they leave care. The council’s culture is ‘not giving up on a young person’ and this is embedded across the service. Committed to corporate parenting, relationships based practice as the driver of positive outcomes and transitions. What will I be doing: Continually develop the service, manage, integrate and embed practice, monitor performance and manage risk to improve outcomes for care leavers. Work closely and strategically with our accommodation, education, employment and training partners with an aspirational approach for young people’s futures. Promote and embed a thorough knowledge of aspirational planning and transitions in order to support our care leavers within the service. Support leaving care workers with positive practice standards, while role modelling our ethos and culture with an emphasis on understanding aspirational outcomes for care leavers. Represent the service locally, regionally and nationally. What skills and experience do you need to have: Experience of working with children in care and care leavers from an Accommodation, Employment, Education and Training perspective. A real passion and commitment to do more and better for our young people. Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to successfully interact with young people, workers, management and partners. A strong advocate for care leavers and children in care. Experience of supervising or enabling others practice would be beneficial. What we offer you: Annual leave and sick pay. Generous local government pension scheme. Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases. Discounts at selected county leisure centres. A vibrant service culture with an existing strong, skilled and passionate workforce. For any queries about this post please email Claire.connolly-westonderbyshire.gov.uk to Joanne.whitederbyshire.gov.uk CS1