Advanced Practitioner

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

Location: Tongue End, GB

Posted Date: 5/13/2025