At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support social work practice for children in care, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council, a supportive and family-friendly employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Access to career development opportunities and a positive working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must have completed ASYE year and hold a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 51356 £ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job located in Cheltenham.
We are currently recruiting for an Advanced Practitioner to join our Children in Care team based in Cheltenham.
Reward and SupportFor all your hard work, you will receive the following:
- Salary between £48,226 - £51,356 per annum subject to experience
- £4,000 welcome payment*
- £2,000 retention payment*
- Up to £8,000 relocation package**
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly policies and benefits to help support you and your family
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Access to our Social Work Academy
- Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
*Please note that all our welcome and retention payments are subject to terms and conditions as well as tax and national insurance deductions.
**Please note that our relocation policy is subject to terms and conditions.
About the roleAs an Advanced Practitioner, you will be at the heart of Gloucestershire’s practice model, holding an expert and influential role within your team. You will play a key part in supporting the development and delivery of high-quality, complex social work practice through joint working, professional advice and guidance, and quality assurance activity.
You will model Gloucestershire’s relational systemic practice approach and actively promote our practice standards, supporting a strong and reflective practice culture across the team. Advanced Practitioners provide direction and constructive challenge to team members to improve the quality of practice. This includes activities such as quality assuring assessments, undertaking joint visits, and supporting reflective discussion on practice, helping staff to develop confidence, skills and professional judgement.
The post requires a strong capacity to support and influence others. You will contribute to the professional oversight of work within the team, offering guidance, mentoring and support to social workers, and working closely with Team Managers to promote safe, effective and consistent practice.
As part of the role, you may provide Newly Qualified Social Workers with monthly reflective supervision and undertake observations of practice, with overall responsibility for NQSW management remaining with Team Managers. You will also support and contribute to the learning and development of Social Work students within the team.
You will jointly lead on a specific area of practice, offering a weekly consultation that practitioners across the service can book into, providing specialist support and helping to strengthen practice in this area. You will work closely with the Social Work Academy through regular forums and training activity, contributing to the development of standardised practice and bringing new learning opportunities back into your team.
Advanced Practitioners hold a small number of cases, ensuring sufficient capacity to focus on professional leadership, practice development and support for colleagues.
About You- A full driving licence and willingness to drive
- DBS clearance (Enhanced Adults and Children’s)
- To have completed your ASYE year (if you qualified after 2012)
Children in Care Advanced Practitioner in Cheltenham employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and positive working environment for Advanced Practitioners in Cheltenham. With competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a strong focus on employee development through access to the Social Work Academy, staff are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children in care. The council's commitment to flexible working and family-friendly policies further enhances the work-life balance, making it an attractive place for dedicated professionals.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children in Care Advanced Practitioner in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Gloucestershire County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to social work and leadership. We should also think of examples from our experience that showcase our skills in mentoring and supporting others, as this is key for the Advanced Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for children in care during the interview. We can discuss our commitment to high-quality practice and how we can contribute to a positive working environment. This will help us stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or additional roles that might pop up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Children in Care Advanced Practitioner in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Advanced Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to our Children in Care team. Share specific examples of your past work that reflect your ability to support and influence others.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of an Advanced Practitioner. Brush up on Gloucestershire’s relational systemic practice approach and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied similar methods in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to mentor and support others. Think about times when you’ve provided guidance or constructive feedback to colleagues, as this will demonstrate your capacity to influence and lead within a team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Practice articulating how you would handle complex cases or support newly qualified social workers, showcasing your expertise and reflective practice.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the council supports professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
