At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver quality care, advocating for individuals' support and funding needs.
- Company: Local Authority rated 'Good' by CQC, committed to community service.
- Benefits: 12-month fixed term, 37 hours per week, inclusive workplace culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on continuous improvement and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Terms and Conditions: 12 months Fixed Term, 37 hours per week
- Department: Adults & Health
- Closing date: 5th July 2026
- Interview date: w/c 13th July 2026
In Blackburn with Darwen, we believe we have the solid foundations for providing excellent services to local people. Furthermore, as a Local Authority, we are proud to be rated as “Good” by the CQC.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Social Work Advanced Practitioner to help deliver and lead good quality care and represent adult social care within the Integrated Care Funding Team. The Integrated Care Funding Team is committed to achieving the best outcomes for individuals and ensuring that they have the correct level of support and funding mechanism in place, advocating for the people we support.
The team has been in place since 2019 and consists of a team manager, 3 advanced practitioners, an assessment and review officer, and a commissioning support officer. Through an invest to save initiative, the team will be expanding to create five 12 month fixed term posts, which include an advanced practitioner, social worker, 2 assessment and review officers, and an occupational therapist.
The Integrated Care Funding Team is an extremely motivated and highly dedicated team. The work of the team is fast-paced and every day is different. There is a strong focus on multi-agency working and the team works closely with our social work teams.
You will effectively support and manage the social worker and assessment and review officers to undertake Care Act assessments, reviewing current care arrangements and the suitability of commissioned services. You will ensure the level of support meets the person’s needs to maintain independence in a strengths-based manner.
You will be responsible for promoting Blackburn with Darwen’s vision, objectives, and priorities effectively to our staff, partners, and the public, and supporting the Department and residents on our continuous journey with CQC and supporting our readiness for Local Government Reorganisation.
We are passionate about creating a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ applicants, disabled candidates, and individuals seeking a new direction in their careers. We are committed to being an inclusive employer that values and respects difference. If you need any adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.
For more information, please see attached documents. For an informal conversation please contact Cerys Bedford, Team Manager - cerys.bedford@blackburn.gov.uk
Social Work Advanced Practitioner employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
At Blackburn with Darwen, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. As part of the Integrated Care Funding Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working alongside a dedicated team in a fast-paced environment. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a strong focus on multi-agency collaboration, we provide our staff with the resources and support needed to thrive in their roles.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Advanced Practitioner
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council!
✨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 Blackburn with Darwen Council, 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council 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 Social Work Advanced Practitioner
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 Blackburn with Darwen Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blackburn with Darwen Council! 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 Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨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.
