At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative initiatives to improve social work responses to child sexual abuse.
- Company: Join the CSA Centre, dedicated to making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; funded until March 2027.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with experts and those with lived experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work or related fields, with strong communication and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About this role: The Practice Improvement Advisor (Social Work) is responsible for developing and embedding evidence-informed practice improvement initiatives in the field of child sexual abuse across children's social work in England and Wales. You will lead the formulation, development and implementation of transformational change in the social work response to child sexual abuse, by developing, managing and delivering strategies, plans and training initiatives, and managing partner relationships at a high level across a range of single and multi-agency settings. Working within our team of multi-agency practitioners, researchers and policy advisors, and in liaison with those with lived experience of sexual abuse, you will support the CSA Centre to deliver an ambitious work plan rooted in our commitment to improving the knowledge, skills and confidence of professionals in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse. You will also play a key role in developing and delivering the CSA Centre's practice improvement plans for social work over the immediate and longer term.
Responsibilities:
- Working with a range of stakeholders to develop a national, strategic approach to improving the identification and response to sexual abuse in social work settings;
- Engaging with key stakeholders to raise the profile of the CSA Centre across single and multi-agency settings in England and Wales;
- Developing the CSA Centre's approach to influencing training for professionals working with children and young people across the children's social work sector, including designing and delivering training where appropriate;
- Developing proposals for new resources to support the response to child sexual abuse across social work, drawing on your own understanding of current gaps and opportunities to improve practice in this area;
- Leading on the dissemination of existing CSA Centre resources and research to social work settings across England and Wales;
- Providing practice expertise to a range of ongoing CSA Centre initiatives across our ambitious workplan, including the implementation of our child sexual abuse response pathway and related practice resources;
- Improving understanding of and responses to specific aspects of child sexual abuse (such as in online settings, within family law and for Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and families), through partnership work with other sector experts.
CSA Centre roles are currently funded until 31 March 2027, in line with our current grant funding arrangements. This will be reviewed in late 2026, as future funding for the CSA Centre from 2027/28 onwards is confirmed.
Contract and working arrangements:
Permanent contract, grant funded until 31 March 2027. Applications for full and part time working will be considered. The role is home based with occasional travel required, usually to London.
Equal opportunity and diversity:
The CSA Centre is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from disabled candidates and from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as they are currently under-represented in the CSA Centre's staff team. We also welcome applications from those who have lived experience of child sexual abuse. We welcome applications from those who wish to apply for this post as a secondment from their current role. Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
Practice Improvement Adviser (23267) employer: BARNARDOS
As a Practice Improvement Adviser at the CSA Centre, you will join a dedicated team committed to transforming the social work response to child sexual abuse across England and Wales. Our inclusive work culture prioritises diversity and offers flexible working arrangements, ensuring that all employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in their communities. With opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with multi-agency practitioners, this role not only supports your career development but also contributes to vital change in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Improvement Adviser (23267)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BARNARDOS.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BARNARDOS!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BARNARDOS, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BARNARDOS or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Improvement Adviser (23267)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BARNARDOS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BARNARDOS! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
