At a Glance
- Tasks: Support looked after children and their families, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making.
- Company: Join Bury Council's Care and Support Service, dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and reimbursement for registration fees.
- Other info: Friendly, inclusive culture with strong support and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Bury Council is looking for a passionate and experienced Advanced Practitioner to join our Care and Support Service. This is a rewarding opportunity for a qualified social worker who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people who are looked after by the local authority.
In this role, you will carry a caseload of children who are in foster care, residential care and other placements. You will be responsible for building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, ensuring that their voices are central to the planning and decision‑making process. Where possible, you will undertake reunification work, supporting children to return to live safely with their families and helping to maintain those relationships in a way that promotes stability and wellbeing.
As an Advanced Practitioner, you will also support the development of your colleagues, offering guidance and expertise in complex cases. You will work alongside a permanent Team Manager and be part of a fully staffed, supportive team that values reflective practice, continuous learning and collaborative working. You’ll benefit from regular supervision, access to a wide range of training opportunities and a culture that encourages innovation and professional growth.
To succeed in this role, you must be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with substantial experience in children’s social care, particularly in supporting looked after children. You should be confident in your practice, compassionate in your approach and committed to achieving the best outcomes for those you support. Access to a vehicle is essential to enable you to carry out visits and maintain strong relationships with children and families.
Bury Council offers a flexible and dynamic working environment, with remote and home working options and adaptable hours to support your work‑life balance. As a small authority, we pride ourselves on our friendly and inclusive culture and we would love for you to become part of our Bury Family.
Benefits of working for Bury Council:
- Re‑imbursement of the annual £90 Social Work England registration fees (conditions apply).
- Pay increases in line with your continued professional development.
- Free parking where you work – worth £860 a year for qualified Social Workers who work from town centre locations where there is no ready access to free parking, plus car mileage.
- Opportunities to develop new and specialist skills.
- Innovative training and development opportunities.
- Supportive integrated teams and a friendly working environment.
- Professional supervision to a high standard.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We are committed to Bury being an equal society that recognises values and embraces all people, regardless of any difference, for the skills, abilities and experiences they bring into the workforce and the wider community. We guarantee an interview for disabled people, looked after children/care leavers, armed forces personnel (including reservists and veterans) and carers of adults or disabled children if they meet the essential criteria.
Advanced Practitioner, Care and Support Service (Looked After Children's Team) NEW Bury Council[...] in Bury St Edmunds employer: Bury Council
Bury Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and the children they serve. With flexible working options, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to professional development, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values collaboration and innovation. Join our friendly team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of looked after children while enjoying the benefits of a small authority that truly cares about its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner, Care and Support Service (Looked After Children's Team) NEW Bury Council[...] in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care field, especially those who work with looked after children. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child welfare and support. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and articulate your passion for improving outcomes for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with children and families. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our Bury Family!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner, Care and Support Service (Looked After Children's Team) NEW Bury Council[...] in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting looked after children shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving their outcomes and how your experience aligns with our values.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Advanced Practitioner. Highlight relevant experience in children's social care and any specific skills that relate to building relationships with children and families, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our Bury Family.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bury Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's social care, especially around looked after children. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices, as well as the specific challenges faced by children in care. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in social work, particularly those that relate to supporting children and families. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, and be ready to explain how you built trusting relationships and navigated complex cases.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with a team, highlight your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to a team environment in the past. Bury Council values a friendly and inclusive culture, so showing that you can fit into that is key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Bury Council. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values. Consider asking about their approach to professional development or how they support reflective practice.
