At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team of social workers to help children and families in need.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary championing refugee rights.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent transport links to the office.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 58299 - 60486 £ per year.
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
An exciting opportunity is available for a social work qualified Advanced Practitioner. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled and reflective practitioner who is creative and can work with children and their families in an innovative way to ensure they receive the right help at the right time. We are looking for applicants who are motivated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and who have the experience and confidence to work with Children Looked After and Care Proceedings.
What’s the role? You will work in a diversified team including advanced practitioners and social workers. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to manage a focused caseload and oversee duty responsibilities, while actively deputising for the team manager.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for: We are looking for someone who is an experienced practitioner to help lead our efforts in working with and support children and their families. You will play a crucial role in overseeing and supporting our team of social workers and family practitioners. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, providing supervision and guidance to team members, and working collaboratively with other professionals and agencies.
We are looking for a confident, dynamic and forward-thinking practitioner with the expertise and passion to help shape our service and drive positive outcomes for children and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work directly with children and families where children are in our care; this includes children and families who are in care proceedings and progressing care plans for children where their care plan is one of permanence; including adoption work.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting children in our care.
- Deputise for the team manager and provide leadership and support to a team of social workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to children and young people in our care.
- Support the team manager to monitor the performance of the team, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Line supervision for AYSEs in their assessed year, social worker apprentices, supervise and mentor team members, offering guidance and support in complex cases.
The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills and be able to inspire, motivate and support the team. You will have excellent technical knowledge and experience of statutory safeguarding practices for children in need of help and protection and children looked after, in the context of corporate parenting.
Location: The job is primarily based in Laurence House in Catford SE6. There are 2 local train stations 3-5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop right by the office. We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions: The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The job is subject to a DBS check (Basic/Enhanced).
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Advanced Practitioner, Corporate Parenting in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
The Borough of Lewisham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With excellent training opportunities and a strong emphasis on collaboration, staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Working in Lewisham not only provides a chance to contribute to service development but also fosters a sense of belonging through various supportive networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner, Corporate Parenting in London
✨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 Borough of Lewisham.
✨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 Borough of Lewisham!
✨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 Borough of Lewisham, 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 Borough of Lewisham 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 Advanced Practitioner, Corporate Parenting in London
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 Borough of Lewisham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Lewisham! 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 Borough of Lewisham
✨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.
