At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, develop care plans, and lead team discussions.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, up to 35 days leave, hybrid working, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and experience with children and families.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
Advanced Practitioner (Children Looked After)
P05: £52,674 pa rising in annual increments to £55,710 pa incl. LW
Permanent / Full-Time/ Hybrid Working
We are looking for an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join our Children Looked After (CLA) Service team. The ideal candidate will hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England (SWE).
About the CLA Service
The Children Looked After (CLA) service provides support to children, young people, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) aged 0-16 who are in care. Our service is structured across four teams, each consisting of a Team Manager, Advanced Practitioner, Social Workers, and Personal Advisors (UASC team only).
Our core aim in the CLA service is to ensure that the children and young people we work with are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes. As an Advanced Practitioner, you will support your team in delivering high-quality care planning and promoting the highest standard of social work. You will also be responsible for developing innovative and creative strategies to ensure that children in care are supported to develop their independence and achieve outstanding outcomes.
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be able to prioritize effectively, identifying urgent tasks and actions to ensure that all work is completed within tight timescales. You will be highly organized, able to manage your own workload with minimal supervision, and have strong initiative to act where needed.
You will support your Team Manager and confidently take the lead in their absence. You will facilitate group supervisions, provide clear guidance, and offer practical, well-informed advice on complex, high-risk cases
About You
We are looking for a compassionate, resilient, and experienced individual who has worked with children, young people, and their families in challenging circumstances. The ideal candidate will have:
- Lambeth adopts a Signs of Safety approach, and the successful candidate will be familiar with this practice model. They should feel confident supporting colleagues and facilitating group discussions using this framework.
- A deep understanding of the developmental stages of children and the impact of trauma, neglect and abuse.
- Proficiency in child protection legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
- The ability to build trust and rapport with children, young people and parents, encouraging openness and honest dialogue.
- Resilience to deal with the demands of a fast-paced environment and quick turnaround of work.
- Creative problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions for challenging situations, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and families.
- Experience in providing guidance and supervision to less experienced colleagues, supporting their development.
- A drive for improving practice and performance in the team and modelling best practice.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development, staying up to date with the latest research, policies, and best practices in children’s service
- The candidate should also be familiar with utilising Microsoft Copilot to enhance productivity.
- Able to work from the office at least two days per week and fully available during the designated duty week, which occurs once a month.
About us
It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth. To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose,’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff; Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. For more information, please have a look at our dedicated One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.
About the Borough
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London\’s largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.
With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas\’s Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
Why Lambeth
- Fantastic, modern working environment in the award-winning Lambeth Town Hall and Civic Centre buildings
- Competitive Salaries
- Up to 35 days annual leave, dependent upon continuous service
- 5 Minutes from London Underground and excellent transport links into the centre of London
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Cycle to Work Scheme (including City Bike Hire scheme)
- Attractive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts at local restaurants
- Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms
If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more details, please contact Logan Pillay, Service Manager on 0207 926 9432
We are a Stonewall diversity champion; a Living Wage Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found atwww.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs
In addition, you will also be required to undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. Further information can be found here https://www.cifas.org.uk/
Please note we operate an anonymised application process. When uploading your Supporting Statement and CV, please use the ‘cover letter’ link and remove your personal details.
You must upload a Supporting Statement and CV for your application to be considered.
Interested?
Click on the apply button and complete an on-line application, along with uploading your Supporting Statement and CV, explicitly evidencing how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an ‘A’ on the job specification.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in hyperlink below:
Closing date: 10th August 2025 at midnight
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Advanced Practitioner (Children Looked After Service) employer: Lambeth Council
Contact Detail:
Lambeth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner (Children Looked After Service)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety approach, as it's a key practice model used in the CLA service. Understanding this framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Children Looked After Service. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed high-risk cases or facilitated group supervisions. This will showcase your leadership skills and ability to support colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest child protection legislation and best practices in children's services. Being knowledgeable about recent changes will show your dedication to professional development and your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner (Children Looked After Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Advanced Practitioner position. Familiarise yourself with the Children Looked After Service and the specific skills needed, such as knowledge of child protection legislation and the Signs of Safety approach.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your Supporting Statement is crucial. Clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job criteria marked with an ‘A’ in the job specification. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your skills in managing complex cases and supporting colleagues.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications. Focus on your social work qualification, registration with Social Work England, and any leadership roles you've held. Make it easy for the hiring team to see how you meet their needs at a glance.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application process outlined in the job description. Remember to anonymise your application by removing personal details from your Supporting Statement and CV before submission. This is essential for ensuring a fair recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with child protection legislation, particularly the Children Act 1989 and 2004. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the legal framework surrounding the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with children and families in challenging circumstances. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
As an Advanced Practitioner, you’ll need to lead and support your team. Be ready to discuss how you've guided less experienced colleagues and facilitated group discussions, especially using the Signs of Safety approach.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Problem-Solving
Prepare to talk about how you handle the demands of a fast-paced environment. Share examples of creative solutions you've implemented in challenging situations, showcasing your ability to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.