Job Description
Advanced Practitioner - Mockingbird Team, Devon County Council (Exeter)
Up to £40 per hour
This is a fantastic chance to join our pioneering Mockingbird programme, an innovative fostering model that creates a supportive network for foster carers, improving stability and outcomes for children in care. As an integral member of this dedicated team, you will play a key role in driving excellence and providing expert guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide professional guidance, support, and supervision to social workers and other team members, promoting high standards of practice.
* Support the Team Manager in the day-to-day operational management of the Mockingbird team.
* Manage a smaller caseload of foster carers, providing intensive support and supervision to ensure positive outcomes for children in care.
* Undertake fostering standards of care concerns or allegation investigations in line with safeguarding procedures.
* Act as a foster panel advisor, contributing to the assessment and approval of prospective foster carers.
* Share your expertise and provide mentoring to new and less experienced team members.
* Lead and contribute to service improvement initiatives, championing evidence-based practice.
* Encourage and support opportunities for reflection and learning within the team.
* Deliver on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to unqualified/alternatively qualified staff, students, and social workers.
* Champion high standards of professional social work practice in line with the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
* Work holistically with foster carers, children in care, their families, and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in accordance with Devon County Council policies and procedures.
Skills and Experience:
As an Advanced Social Worker within our Mockingbird team, you will demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a commitment to fostering excellence. You will have:
* Substantial post-qualifying experience in children's social work, ideally within a fostering setting.
* A strong understanding of fostering regulations, legislation, and best practice.
* The ability to demonstrate that you are working in line with the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
* Proven ability to work holistically with foster carers, children in care, and partner agencies.
* Evidence of significant post-qualifying training and professional development.
* The ability to lead improvement initiatives and constructively challenge social care practice to enhance quality.
* A passion for championing high standards of professional social work practice.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and assessment skills.
* Experience in providing supervision, mentoring, and coaching to colleagues.
* A commitment to reflective practice and continuous learning.
What We Offer:
* Competitive hourly rate of up to £40 per hour.
* The opportunity to be part of an innovative and highly regarded Mockingbird team.
* A supportive and experienced management team.
* Regular supervision and excellent opportunities for professional development and training.
* The chance to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of children and foster carers in Devon.
* A rewarding and challenging role where your expertise will be valued.
* A commitment to your well-being and a positive working environment.
* Based in the vibrant city of Exeter with excellent transport links and a high quality of life.