Make an impact where it matters the most - Children's Social Work in Devon.
About the Service
We're on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change. We are continuing to embed and relational ways of working. We believe that for most families, the best place for children to live is within their family and our role is to provide high support alongside high challenge to achieve this.
We're extremely proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for children and families in Devon. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are well supported by our Team Managers to achieve the best outcomes for Children and Families.
Our Children's Assessment Teams are responsible for undertaking an assessment of a child and determining the level of intervention needed for the family to enable them to make and sustain positive change. This will involve developing Child Protection, Child In Need and Early Help plans for children. There may be occasions where we need to undertake some Court work and support a small number of children who cannot remain at home to come into Local Authority care.
About the Role
As a Advanced Social Worker practitioner, you will work closely with your Team Manager to provide professional leadership and supervision to colleagues within the team, supporting your manager with the day-to-day team operations and contributing to an effective and efficient service to children and families.
This is a hands-on role, where you have a smaller but more complex caseload, working with children and young people with a complexity of needs, including undertaking in depth assessments, and through supervision and mentoring, you will share your knowledge and experience with colleagues to continually improve practice standards within the team.
You will model social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations as well as championing restorative practice, by encouraging a collaborative culture and supporting opportunities for reflection and learning. You will deliver on the job training, coaching, and mentoring to students, unqualified staff, and less experienced colleagues to develop their skills. You will evidence how pausing and reflecting can enable us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, young people, and their families.
About You
Advanced Social Workers provide a lead Social Work role within each team, supporting the development of good evidence-based practice. You will have substantial post qualifying experience with children and families and the expertise and approach to effectively support your colleagues.
You will need to be working in line with the BASW PCF framework, your skills and experience will include:
1. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
2. Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
3. Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
4. A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
5. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
6. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
7. Exceptional recording and planning skills
8. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
You will also need to either be a Practice Educator, or willing to undertake the relevant training at the earliest opportunity.
What we can offer you
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
9. Up to £2,000 annual retention payment (£1,000 paid every six months)
10. Generous annual leave
11. Free onsite parking
12. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
13. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
14. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home
15. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
16. Cycle to work scheme
17. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!