At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Families First Programme to support children and families through innovative practices.
- Company: Join Liverpool City Council, dedicated to making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days holiday, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until November 2028 with a focus on equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered children's social worker with current Social Work England registration.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Families First Programme Practice Lead is a role within the Children’s Workforce Academy aimed at supporting the implementation of the Families First Partnership programme across the Children and Young People’s Service. The post holder will develop and embed a sustainable practice system for staff and partners, ensuring high quality, relationship‑based outcomes for families.
Responsibilities
- Support the service to implement the key aspects of the Families First Partnership across Family Help and Child Protection practice systems, emphasising effective systems, processes and workforce opportunities.
- Deliver a robust and creative learning programme for the social work and alternatively qualified workforce aligned to the Families First Partnership Programme.
- Develop and support the implementation of the Operational Plan, focusing on systems, processes, workforce and development.
- Act as a visible advocate for excellent, relationship‑based practice and champion the “Our City, Our Children, Together” Model of Practice.
- Support the Children’s Workforce Academy faculties and implement the Children and Young People’s Workforce Strategy, ensuring every practitioner is equipped and empowered within the new Targeted Operating Model.
- Contribute to quality assurance and practice improvement activities through coaching, mentoring and reflective supervision, supporting practitioners at all levels to build confidence in change delivery.
- Demonstrate confidence, motivation and collaboration, driving improvement in outcomes for children and young people.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Registered children's social worker.
- Up‑to‑date registration with Social Work England as a qualified Social Worker.
- Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- Fixed‑term role, ending 30th November 2028.
Benefits
- At least 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 32 after 5 years’ service (pro‑rata if part‑time) – option to purchase further days.
- Agile working – a “Flexibility First” approach.
- Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme.
- Progression – opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning.
- Health and Wellbeing – Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes.
- Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme.
- Family‑friendly policies with enhanced leave.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Employee volunteering scheme.
- Medicash.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we appoint candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications and abilities. We guarantee an interview to candidates from under‑represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010 are available. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified; candidates must have the right to work in the UK or meet the Home Office visa sponsorship criteria.
Families First Programme Practice Lead in Liverpool employer: Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for the Families First Programme Practice Lead role. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training opportunities and a focus on work-life balance, including agile working options and generous holiday allowances, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. The council's dedication to equality, diversity, and community representation further enhances its appeal as a workplace where every individual can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Families First Programme Practice Lead in Liverpool
✨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 Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City 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 Families First Programme Practice Lead in Liverpool
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 Liverpool City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City 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.