At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and support children in care while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Harrow Council, committed to high-quality practice and supportive teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and mentorship within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future for children in care.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and 5+ years in children's social care required.
The predicted salary is between 41.1 - 41.1 £ per hour.
Harrow Council is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join their Corporate Parenting (Looked After Children) Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled practitioner to take on a senior role supporting children in care, driving high-quality practice, and providing guidance and leadership to colleagues within the service.
You will hold a complex caseload of Looked After Children while supporting the development of best practice across the team, ensuring children and young people receive the stability, support, and permanence they need to thrive.
In this role, you will:
- Manage a complex caseload of Looked After Children and Care Leavers where appropriate
- Undertake statutory visits and maintain meaningful relationships with children and young people
- Lead on complex care planning and permanence planning cases
- Support reunification, long-term fostering, Special Guardianship, and adoption planning where appropriate
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and practice support to Social Workers within the team
- Contribute to quality assurance, case audits, and practice development
- Attend and contribute to Children in Care Reviews and professional meetings
- Work closely with foster carers, residential providers, education, health professionals, and partner agencies
- Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely case recordings and management oversight
What You’ll Need:
- Social Work England Registration
- Social Work Qualification
- At least 5 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care
- Significant experience within a Looked After Children or Corporate Parenting service
- Strong knowledge of care planning, permanence planning, and safeguarding legislation
- Experience supporting, mentoring, or coaching Social Workers
- Court work and legal planning experience
- Excellent assessment, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to lead by example and drive high standards of practice
Because we actually listen to what you need. We’re not just here to fill roles—we’re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That’s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers.
If you want to know more about this Advanced Practitioner – Corporate Parenting (LAC) role in Harrow, give Ellis Russell a call – let’s have a chat!
And don’t forget – if you refer a friend and we place them, you’ll get £300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply)
Advanced Practitioner in Marlborough employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Harrow Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Advanced Practitioners dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Looked After Children. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from mentoring opportunities and a culture that values high-quality practice and teamwork. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that staff can maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful outcomes for children and young people in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner in Marlborough
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner in Marlborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Sheldon Phillips Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Sheldon Phillips Ltd, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Sheldon Phillips Ltd understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Sheldon Phillips Ltd from the get-go!
