At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cases and provide high-quality interventions for vulnerable children and young people.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and improving lives.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, gym discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and peer support in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work assessments and engaging with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50268 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term (9-12 months maternity cover)
Salary: £47,181 to £50,268 per annum (Grade 9)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Based: Spindles Offices
Closing Date: Monday 1 June 2026
Interview Date: w/c Monday 8 June 2026
Role Overview
To have responsibility for a smaller caseload, including cases which can be of a complex and challenging nature, and to provide high quality interventions for those vulnerable children and young people which ensure their safety and ensure they achieve improved outcomes. To work alongside partner agencies to undertake various assessments, to co-produce and implement plans, and to lead on evaluating and assessing progress, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families. Alongside a smaller caseload you will be present to support staff, including reflective and group supervision, giving advice and guidance to staff as a team and as individuals. Assisting the team manager in making sense of quality assurance feedback and data, promoting a learning culture sharing good practice and strengths as well as identifying areas for development and finding ways to ensure consistent high quality and practice improvement. To model continual professional development and be accountable for the promotion of social work good practice and learning from research. Oldham offers a development pathway for Advanced Practitioners to develop their leadership skillset, which includes a point of competence recognition and approval to authorise elements of our service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and co-work cases and specific areas of work that are complex and sensitive, ensuring high quality service delivery.
- Chair multi-agency meetings as appropriate.
- Drive practice improvement plans, and lead on action plans for consistently good practice.
- Leading a culture of high support and high challenge, identify issues interfering with delivering an efficient service, and inform managers and the team promoting solution‑finding and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist the development, implementation and monitoring of quality assurance standards.
- Provide shadowing and mentoring for colleagues to support their learning and training.
- Offer advice and guidance to help develop their knowledge and with regard to decision‑making for work with children and their families; demonstrate robust analysis and evidence‑based planning, with due hypothesising and critique of possible solutions.
- Accompany less experienced workers in new and complex experiences such as court attendance, fostering panel, legal gateway and Access to Resources Panel.
Key Requirements
- Experience of undertaking accurate and sensitive assessments of Service Users, Carers and Families, where their situation could be complex and high‑risk.
- Skills in engaging Children and Young People, hearing their voice and gathering their views to understand the child’s lived experience, and maximising opportunities for participation.
- Detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation, codes of practice, National Guidelines and Government initiatives connected with service delivery in this area of social work.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years of service.
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating‑out, eating‑in, travel, motoring and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Advanced Practitioner employer: Oldham Council
Oldham is an exceptional employer for Advanced Practitioners, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and high-quality service delivery for vulnerable children and young people. With a commitment to employee growth through leadership pathways and a range of benefits including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and wellbeing support, Oldham fosters an environment where staff can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Oldham. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in safeguarding. We want you to shine when discussing how you can make a difference for vulnerable children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled complex cases or supported colleagues. This will demonstrate your capability as an Advanced Practitioner and your commitment to high-quality service delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner
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 in safeguarding and working with vulnerable children have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see real examples of your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and guidelines related to safeguarding and social work. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've handled complex cases or provided high-quality interventions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the support available for staff, and how they measure success in their practice. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and supporting colleagues, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've led teams or supported others in their professional development, and how you promote a culture of learning and improvement.
