At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families by managing complex cases and providing expert advice.
- Company: Join Southend City Council, dedicated to children's success and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with regular team meetings and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and have 3 years post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Your New Organisation
Our vision is a Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as an Advanced Practitioner, you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that:
- All paths lead back to the child.
- We spend time getting to know each child and their story.
- We do what we say we're going to do.
- We work with the whole family.
- No matter what, we aim to make things better.
You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer that has been designed by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focusing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager.
Your new role
Southend City Council's Fostering Recruitment & Kinship Team are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will ensure that the needs of the children and their parents/carers are professionally assessed by managing cases of high sensitivity or complexity and provide a focus of specialist advice and professional consultation. They will recommend needs led assessments and interventions within strict criteria and policy. Gather, investigate, evaluate and analyse all necessary information on assigned cases, demonstrating clarity of assessments, reliability of information, evidenced conclusions and realistic action plans. The AP will need to develop a practice which takes a holistic view of the individual, locating them in both their immediate and extended social circles, and having full regard to their education, social, recreational and health. Ensuring that all case management complies with the statutory requirements and the council's policies and procedures. The position is hybrid working, and you will be expected to be on site a minimum of 2/3 days a week. There will be a team meeting every other week and duty is to be undertaken in the office, approximately 3 days a month.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position you must hold a recognised Social Work qualification, have completed your ASYE, be 3-years-post qualified, be registered with SWE and currently be a Practice Educator. You must have knowledge or direct experience of fostering practice and National Minimum Standards, have knowledge of trauma informed practice in relation to fostering, along with supervisory experience and knowledge of safeguarding and managing/overseeing complex caseloads. Additional knowledge must demonstrate understanding the framework for the assessment of children in need and their families and knowledge of methods of social work intervention. Previous experience of staff management, supervision or practice teaching along with extensive experience of applying assessment skills within a statutory social work setting is a must for this post.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. For a full JD on the post click here. If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact us. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103570 - Fostering Advanced Practitioner - Recruitment & Kinship Team - Permanent employer: South End City Council
Southend City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee plays a vital role in achieving the vision of success for all children. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on restorative practices, employees are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's emphasis on teamwork and holistic approaches ensures that staff feel valued and engaged in their important work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103570 - Fostering Advanced Practitioner - Recruitment & Kinship Team - Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Southend City Council and their vision for children. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around fostering practice and trauma-informed care. Practice your responses to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southend City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103570 - Fostering Advanced Practitioner - Recruitment & Kinship Team - Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Advanced Practitioner. Highlight your social work qualifications, experience in fostering practice, and any relevant supervisory roles to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about working with children and families. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in complex cases.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of Restorative Practice and trauma-informed approaches in your application. We want to see how you can apply these methods to support children and their families effectively.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close applications sooner than expected, so get your CV and cover letter in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key aspects of fostering practice and trauma-informed approaches. Brush up on the National Minimum Standards and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of children and families.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to highlight your supervisory experience and case management skills. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed complex cases or provided effective support to colleagues, as this will demonstrate your capability as an Advanced Practitioner.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with families and other professionals, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share instances where you’ve worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes for children and their families.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council’s vision and how the Fostering Recruitment & Kinship Team operates. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to making a difference in children's lives.
