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- Tasks: Support foster carers and children, building strong community connections in Devon.
- Company: Join the innovative Mockingbird Team at Devon County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave and a rewarding work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in social care required.
- Other info: Creative thinkers welcome; excellent career growth opportunities await.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Bring your skills and passion to a team that is transforming foster care in Devon. We are looking for a part-time Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker) to join our innovative Mockingbird Team, part of Devon County Council's Fostering Service based at County Hall, Exeter. The Mockingbird Team uses the pioneering Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) to create sustainable foster care communities. Foster carers are connected through a network of satellite homes, supported by a central hub home that provides resources, guidance, and emotional support - mirroring the strength and resilience of an extended family.
As a Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker), you will work across the network of the hub and satellite homes, building and maintaining positive connections alongside a network of valuable support. As someone who knows what good foster care looks like, you will be responsible for:
- Providing high quality and timely assessments, ensuring children and young people in Devon are receiving the highest level of foster care
- Supporting foster carers within the Mockingbird constellation, offering regular supervision and completion of carer annual reviews
- Facilitating connections between satellite homes and the hub home through the promotion of stability, collaboration, and community among carers
- Undertaking unannounced visits to foster carers
- Facilitating monthly Mockingbird carer coffee mornings
- Attending and supporting Mockingbird family activities
- Working closely with other childcare teams and professionals to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children
- Attending meetings – including child in care reviews, risk assessment, stability meetings
- Presenting to fostering panel
Our Mockingbird team plays a vital role in Devon County Council's commitment as a corporate parent by building resilient support networks and safe, nurturing placements where children can thrive.
Your skills and experience will include:
- A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- Social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations, with exceptional recording and planning skills
- Experience of working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment, with knowledge of fostering regulations
- A high level of written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
- Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children's social work
- The ability to successfully manage complex situations
- A valid UK driving licence and access to a car (exceptions may apply under the Equality Act)
This is a challenging, yet very rewarding environment where you can make a crucial contribution to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Devon. We are looking for individuals who are strong in partnership working, are able to think creatively and are not afraid to try new things.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including generous annual leave.
Children\'S Supervising in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
Contact Detail:
Devon County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'S Supervising in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Devon County Council or the Mockingbird Team on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Mockingbird Family Model and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to show them we’re passionate about transforming foster care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on those tricky questions about managing complex situations and building relationships. We want to come across as confident and capable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'S Supervising in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for fostering shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Supervising Social Worker. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the Mockingbird Family Model and the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your qualifications and experiences, making it easier for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know the Mockingbird Model
Familiarise yourself with the Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) before your interview. Understand how it creates sustainable foster care communities and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with this innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Supervising Social Worker, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with children, families, and professionals in past roles. Highlight any specific situations where your communication made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex situations you've managed in social care. Think of specific challenges you faced and how you creatively resolved them. This will show your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
✨Prepare Questions About Team Dynamics
Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the Mockingbird Team's dynamics and how they collaborate with other childcare teams. This demonstrates your commitment to partnership working and understanding of the role's collaborative nature.