At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social workers' development and enhance training for better outcomes in children's care.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's innovative Children's Social Care Academy.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and discounts at over 900 retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
2 x 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Full Time 37 hours per week)
3 x Permanent Contract (Full Time 37 hours per week)
Are you passionate about the learning and development of others? Do you like to keep abreast of research, social care policy and theory? Practice Development Advisor in our Children’s Social Care Academy. We support frontline staff through the provision of the latest training to ensure they can deliver the best outcomes for the children, young people and their families. Following a recent OFSTED inspection, it was highlighted: The creation and ongoing development of the Children’s Social Care Academy are impressive, and the academy is starting to have a positive impact on practice.
About the role
You will be joined by our team of Practice Development Advisors and Restorative Practice Coaches reporting to the Academy & Quality Assurance Team Manager. As a qualified and experienced social worker, you will make a significant contribution to staff development by supporting our newly qualified social workers on their ASYE programme and our social work students. There will be a particular focus on the career progression of our Experienced Social Workers. Presence in the office is vital to embed positive relationships from the outset. This is complemented by our hybrid working model, whilst still delivering the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
About you
You will have strong organisational, communication and analytical skills and be readily able to apply these skills to the diverse range of work that you will be responsible for. You will be a team player who recognises the strengths in others' work and knows how your work can contribute to a whole team ethos. You will know about the challenges and potential for learning and development across the service.
What we can offer you
- Dedicated support with regular supervision from line management so you can critically reflect on your practice on a regular basis.
- Group supervisions are also offered, allowing you to learn from your colleagues and grow the strength of your social work practice together.
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Free onsite parking.
- Flexible working opportunities and promotion of a healthy work-life balance, including working from home where possible.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
- 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.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates promptly.
Practice Development Advisors employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Development Advisors
✨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 Devon County Council.
✨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 Devon County Council!
✨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 Devon County Council, 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 Devon County Council 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 Practice Development Advisors
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 Devon County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Devon County Council! 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 Devon County Council
✨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.
