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- Tasks: Transform foster care in Devon by supporting and connecting foster families.
- Company: Join the innovative Mockingbird Team at Devon County Council.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and discounts at over 900 retailers.
- 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: Enjoy a rewarding role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Bring your skills and passion to a team that’s transforming foster care in Devon. We’re 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
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, & the ability to purchase additional annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Children\'s Supervising (Liaison) Social Worker - Mockingbird, Fostering 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 (Liaison) Social Worker - Mockingbird, Fostering in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Devon County Council, especially those in the Mockingbird Team. They can give you insider info and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by understanding the Mockingbird Family Model inside out. Show us how your skills align with their mission to create sustainable foster care communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; share real-life examples of how you've made a difference in social work. We love hearing about your experiences and how they relate to the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Supervising (Liaison) Social Worker - Mockingbird, Fostering in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for transforming foster care shine through in your application. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with our mission at StudySmarter, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to the Mockingbird Team specifically!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
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 this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know the Mockingbird Model
Familiarise yourself with the Mockingbird Family Model and how it operates. Understanding its principles will help you articulate how your skills align with their mission to create sustainable foster care communities.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex situations and build effective relationships. Highlight your experience in multi-agency environments and how you've supported foster carers or children in similar roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your verbal and written communication skills, as these are crucial for this role. Be ready to discuss how you would facilitate connections between satellite homes and the hub home, ensuring clarity and collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, challenges they face, and how they measure success within the Mockingbird Team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
