At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a team of social workers in family support and child protection.
- Company: Join Lambeth, a champion for diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 35 days leave, hybrid working, and local discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work with a focus on child protection and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ per year.
Advanced Practitioners – Family Support and Child Protection, Children Social Care
PO5: £54,360 pa rising in annual increments to £57,495 pa incl. LW. Permanent / Full Time / Hybrid Working.
We are looking for a highly motivated and influential Advanced Practitioner for our Family Support and Child Protection Service (FSCP) to help us achieve our vision of making Lambeth one of the best places in the world for children and young people to grow up.
About the role
As an Advanced Practitioner you will support the Team Manager of a busy team of 6 social workers (including one ASYE).
This is a case‑holding role with a reduced caseload.
You will manage day‑to‑day tasks, provide support, advice, mentoring and model high standards of professional social work practice to newly qualified and less experienced staff in complex/high‑risk cases.
You will provide professional, reflective supervision and support, staff induction, and work with newly qualified social workers.
You may be required to work beyond normal office hours and participate in multi‑disciplinary groups.
Key responsibilities
- Support Team Managers with day‑to‑day management tasks and performance under direction and supervision.
- Provide support, advice, mentoring and model high standards of professional social work practice.
- Provide professional, reflective supervision and support to staff including induction, newly qualified social workers, and students.
- Work flexibly and participate in cross‑department and cross‑organisational groups and task teams.
- Be accountable for the work of less experienced staff on cases.
Qualifications and experience
- Deep understanding of developmental stages of children and impact of trauma, neglect and abuse.
- Proficiency in child protection legislation and statutory guidance, including Children Act 1989 and 2004.
- Ability to build trust and rapport with children, young people and parents.
- Resilience to manage the demands of a fast‑paced environment.
- Creative problem‑solving skills to find innovative solutions.
- Experience providing guidance and supervision to less experienced colleagues.
- Drive for improving practice and performance, modelling best practice.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Up to 35 days annual leave (dependent on continuous service).
- Hybrid/flexible working.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Attractive local government pension scheme.
- Discounts at local restaurants and activity centres.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
Lambeth is a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage employer and guarantees interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria.
We are committed to safer recruitment.
Application
Closing date: 27th July at midnight. Submit your CV and a supporting statement that addresses the shortlist criteria.
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Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection) employer: London Borough Of Lambeth
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the vibrant community of South London. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. The Families First Team provides a dynamic environment where you can contribute to innovative solutions for families in need, all while enjoying the rich cultural and recreational offerings of Lambeth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection)
✨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 London Borough Of Lambeth.
✨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 London Borough Of Lambeth!
✨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 London Borough Of Lambeth, 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 London Borough Of Lambeth 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 Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection)
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 London Borough Of Lambeth:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough Of Lambeth! 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 London Borough Of Lambeth
✨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.
