At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor Newly Qualified Social Workers in their first year, fostering professional growth.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to high-quality children's services.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and well-being services.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and promote an inclusive environment for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing future social work leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Practice Educator and a passion for empowering others.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
Overview: This role has been introduced to support our 2026 cohort of Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs). Each Talent Development Lead will be responsible for delivering high‑quality learning and professional development throughout the NQSWs' first year on the programme. They will also provide daily supervision, workload allocation and ongoing management for up to six NQSWs within their designated Hub.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver learning and professional development during the NQSWs' first year on the programme.
- Provide daily supervision and reflective mentorship to NQSWs.
- Allocate workload and manage up to six NQSWs within the Hub.
- Lead practice improvement and foster high‑quality care delivery.
- Embed the Seven Pillars and restorative learning framework into frontline practice.
- Critically reflect on practice and offer insightful analysis to shape a learning culture.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Fluency and confidence in spoken English.
- Substantial post‑qualification experience as a Practice Educator.
- Strong grasp of the ASYE frameworks.
- Ability to empower and support others.
Equality & Diversity: DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Benefits:
- Dedicated support with regular supervision from line management and group supervisions with colleagues.
- Generous annual leave with the option to purchase additional days.
- Free onsite parking.
- Flexible working opportunities and promotion of a healthy work‑life balance, including working from home where possible.
- Employee Assistance and a variety of well‑being services.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Discounts at over 900 national and local high‑street retailers through our benefits platform.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
NQSW Talent Development Lead - Children's Services in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
As a leading employer in children's services, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of social workers through our comprehensive support and development programmes. Our inclusive work culture prioritises employee well-being, offering flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and access to a variety of well-being services. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NQSW Talent Development Lead - Children's Services in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former NQSWs and Talent Development Leads on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to supervision and mentorship. Think about how you would apply the Seven Pillars in real scenarios. We want to see your passion for developing others!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your reflective practice skills! Be ready to discuss how you've critically reflected on your own work and how that has shaped your approach to supporting others. This is key for the role!
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to high-quality care delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace NQSW Talent Development Lead - Children's Services in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Talent Development Lead. We want to see how you can deliver high-quality learning and professional development for our NQSWs!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your substantial post-qualification experience as a Practice Educator. We’re looking for someone who can empower and support others, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Reflect on Your Practice:In your application, include examples of how you’ve critically reflected on your practice. We value insightful analysis that shapes a learning culture, so share those moments that made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the ASYE frameworks and the Seven Pillars. Brush up on your knowledge about the role of a Talent Development Lead and how it fits into the NQSW programme. This will show that you’re not just interested, but genuinely invested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Mentorship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or supervised others in the past. Think about specific situations where you empowered someone to grow or improve. This is key for demonstrating your ability to provide reflective mentorship to NQSWs.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Since the company values diversity and inclusion, be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Share any experiences where you challenged inequality or promoted diversity, as this aligns with their core values.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Be prepared to talk about how you critically reflect on your own practice. Have a couple of examples ready where you’ve analysed your work and made improvements. This will highlight your commitment to fostering a learning culture, which is essential for the role.
