At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative Family Group Decision Making initiatives in Children's Services.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong leadership, and training skills.
The predicted salary is between 44209 - 47107 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Department: Children’s Services
Salary: Grade 11, £44,209 to £47,107 per annum
Location: County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight
Closing date: 30 July 2026
This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working.
About the Role
As our Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead, you will be at the forefront of transforming practice across Children's Services. You'll lead the development and implementation of our Family Group Decision Making offer, Family Network Support Packages and Network Meetings for care experienced young people. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, workforce development and direct practice.
You will:
- Lead and champion Family Group Decision Making across Children's Services and the Safeguarding Children Partnership.
- Design and deliver training using a 'train the trainer' model, building confidence and expertise across the workforce.
- Coach, mentor and support practitioners to embed high-quality practice.
- Facilitate complex Family Group Decision Making and Network Meetings for children and families facing significant challenges, including those involved in Public Law proceedings and reunification journeys.
- Influence service development, quality assurance and practice improvement across the organisation.
- Work creatively with children, young people, families and wider support networks to achieve meaningful and sustainable change.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a skilled and motivated professional who combines strong practice expertise with the ability to inspire and develop others. You will bring:
- Extensive experience working directly with children, young people and families.
- A strong understanding of children's social care legislation and practice.
- Experience of partnership working across agencies and services.
- Excellent facilitation, mediation and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence in leading change, developing training and implementing new ways of working.
- The ability to analyse information, evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
Interviews planned: 7th August 2026
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Anna Clarke on 01983 821000 ext. 6841 or email anna.clarke@iow.gov.uk.
Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead in Newport employer: Community Care Live
Community Care Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, dedicated consultants, and a commitment to empowering individuals in the community, employees can expect meaningful work and opportunities for development in the heart of Devon. The company also offers competitive pay and additional benefits, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead in Newport
✨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 Community Care Live.
✨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 Community Care Live!
✨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 Community Care Live, 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 Community Care Live 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 Family Group Decision Making Practice Lead in Newport
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 Community Care Live:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Care Live! 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 Community Care Live
✨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.
