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 of registration fees.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly culture and opportunities for innovative training and skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a 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) in Radcliffe 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 us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of looked after children while enjoying the benefits of a friendly team atmosphere and a strong focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner, Care and Support Service (Looked After Children's Team) in Radcliffe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who have experience with looked after children. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bury Council and their Care and Support Service. Understand their values and how they support children in care. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to building relationships with children and families. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment to improving outcomes for looked after children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Bury Family!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner, Care and Support Service (Looked After Children's Team) in Radcliffe
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 your relevant experience in children's social care and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with children and families.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re 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 roles and how they relate to this position. Think about specific cases where you've made a difference in a child's life or supported families effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, aim to build a connection with your interviewers. Show your compassionate side and demonstrate how you can establish trusting relationships with children and families. Share anecdotes that reflect your ability to empathise and communicate effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the council supports professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.