Job Title:Social Work Practice Manager - Fostering Team
Location: Northampton
Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements: Flexible working arrangements
Salary: £46,164 - £48,253 per annum
Overall Purpose of Role:
Sanctuary Personnel are currently seeking a Practice Manager to join our client's team, providing essential social work services to young people and families in need. As a Practice Manager, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the welfare of children and young people, safeguarding them in accordance with legal and statutory obligations. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in mentoring and supervising team members to uphold professional standards set by regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities:
* Hold or undertake the Practice Teacher / Enabling Others award to facilitate skill development and support the delivery of responsibilities.
* Organise and delegate the workload of social workers under the direction of the team manager, providing monitoring, professional development, and supervision.
* Assist in maintaining records of allocation and ensuring high service standards.
* Enhance the quality of casework through case file audits, implementation of audit feedback into practice, and formal observations of supervised individuals.
* Deliver professional leadership within the service team, ensuring adherence to legislation and maintaining excellent standards of practice and service delivery.
* Assist the Team Manager in team member induction and supervision, integrating equal opportunities and health and safety policies into daily operations.
* Develop effective partnerships with other agencies and services, contributing to positive outcomes for service users.
* Contribute to training, standards development, case review, and service planning. Assist in managing complaints, representations, and appeals in line with protocols.
* Provide accurate information to the Team Manager and assist in establishing and maintaining information systems for best practice, performance evaluation, and budget management.
* Demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and diverse needs while ensuring health, safety, and welfare standards are met at all times.
* Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
* Degree in Social Work or equivalent certification.
* Social Work England registration.
* Certificate in Mentoring.
* Practice Teacher Award/Enabling Others or willingness to undertake.
* Additional post-qualification awards or recognition as appropriate.
* Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service clearance required.
Experience and Skills:
* Minimum 2-3 years post-qualification experience in relevant disciplines.
* Experience in staff mentoring and supervision.
* Working knowledge of needs assessment and care provision.
* Conflict resolution skills.
* Proficiency in assessment processes, child protection, care planning, and court procedures.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Organisational and IT proficiency.
* Ability to travel and represent the department effectively.
* Effective negotiation and prioritisation skills.
* Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative.
Disclosure Level:
* Enhanced Child/Adult Bar
Benefits:
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
* Generous Annual Leave:All employees enjoy 28 days of annual leave per year, pro rata for part-time employees, in addition to bank holidays. This increases to 33 days after 5 years of continuous service.
* Annual Leave Purchase Scheme:Take advantage of our scheme to purchase up to 30 additional days of leave per year based on your weekly contractual working hours.
* Pension Options:Join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with contributions based on your salary, supplemented by a significant organisation contribution. Opt for the 50/50 scheme to pay half the normal contribution rate while still building a pension, and make additional voluntary contributions.
* Life Assurance and Ill-health Protection:Receive immediate life assurance cover of 3 times your annual salary from day one, along with protection in case of ill-health.
* Equality and Diversity:We're committed to equality of opportunity for all, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
* Agile Working Arrangements:Enjoy flexible working arrangements, including part-time, job sharing, term-time only, annualised hours, and flexi-time, subject to service requirements.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP):Access confidential support for personal or professional issues, including telephone counseling, legal advice, bereavement support, and medical information, available 24/7.
* Access to Work Mental Health Support Service: Receive free, confidential support for mental health issues affecting work performance over a 9-month period.
* Training and Development Opportunities:Access a wide range of training options, including courses, qualifications, online learning, apprenticeships, coaching, mentoring, and bespoke training, tailored to support your role and ongoing professional development.
* Social Work Support:Benefit from specialised training such as Signs of Safety, alongside access to multi-agency training, research resources, and coverage of social work England registration fees.
* Retention Bonuses:Social work roles are eligible for retention bonuses, reflecting our commitment to retaining skilled and dedicated staff.
* Continuous Improvement:We're dedicated to building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce, promoting innovation and creativity while prioritising the well-being of children, young people, and families.
This role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the well-being of children and families within our community. If you meet the qualifications and are committed to making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply now through Sanctuary Personnel.
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