Senior Practitioner - Placement Finding Team Mid Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£45,217 to £54,395 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Closing Date: 18th March 2025
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Role
We care looking to recruit to a full time Senior Practitioner post in the Placement Finding Team with experience of CLA (Child Looked After). To support the operational responsibilities of a duty service and to oversee duty on a rota basis.
1. Experience of providing supervision to alternatively qualified staff.
2. To support assigned Quadrant networking.
3. Good relationship working with the fostering and other teams to ensure good communication and the developments of the Placement Finding function.
4. To lead assigned work stream areas.
The Opportunity
The Children & Young People’s Service’s (CYPPS) role is to support The Placement Finding Team’s operational responsibility is to provide an effective response to referral requests and ensure appropriate placements are made. And placements that are sourced are with:
5. In-house foster placements -which includes short breaks and respite
6. In-house Supported Lodging Carers
7. External placements [IFA/Residential] and Semi-Independent Accommodation Placements (SIA)
8. No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) accommodation- post 18 and families
9. Welfare Secure Accommodation
Within the Placement Finding Team we are looking for a Senior Practitioner and in this role you will be required to be part of the senior duty requirements for the team - office and working from home with the other senior practitioner’s in the team on a rota basis, be confident in overseeing duty as well as managing the day-to-day functions for the team. overseeing the incoming placement requests, allocating referrals to Placement Officers to undertake placement searches, and quality and assurance of the referral request.
You will be required to provide supervision to Placement Officers as part of supporting them with their allocated work and development / training needs.
You will also have assigned links with one the four quadrants to build relationships with the fostering and other teams to ensure good communication and the developments identified for Fostering are implemented. As part of these developments you will be assigned work stream lead/ project work to ensure that continued review and development of as part of the CLA placements.
Driving Licence and use of car for travel to other local offices across Essex required as part of post requirements.
The role requires an experienced social work practitioner, who is able:
10. To manage higher levels of risk, mentor and advise staff, manage performance and deliver improvements.
11. Build strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders is essential and to have a sound knowledge of the CIC processes.
12. Be linked to a quadrant to promote the relationship with the respective child care and fostering teams, to promote the in-house fostering business plan and engage with in-house carers through a range of mediums.
13. Take the lead in assigned work to ensure the continued review and development of the service and will have a sound knowledge of the LAC process.
14. Be responsible for providing a source of expert advice and professional supervision for Placement Officers and contributing to the development of practice standards.
15. Accountable for being involved in the assessment of complex social care needs and development of support for vulnerable people, children and families as part of the placement finding process in the service.
16. responsible for maintaining accurate and timely data, reports and presentations as required.
The Experience You Will Bring
17. A recognised social work qualification. Diploma, degree or Masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current Social Work England (SWE) registration.
18. Evidence of continuing professional development
19. As part of the recruitment to this post we are looking for someone who has extensive CLA experience.
20. IT/Word Processing Skills
21. Evidence of recent practice at an experienced social worker level, supported by comprehensive working knowledge and experience within the field of practice in Children Services
22. Preferably with experience of Child Protection work including section 47 investigations and assessments since the implementation of the Children’s Act 1989.
23. Considerable, recent experience of communicating with children of all ages and working in partnership with parents and/or carers.
24. Experience in planning activities and programmes for children, young people and parents.
25. Experience of Court work in relation to Child Care matters and have an understanding of the legal process.
26. Detailed knowledge of current legislation pertinent to Children in Care Guidance and Regulations.
27. Knowledge and understanding of child development, relating theory and practice.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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