At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, managing complex cases with a focus on holistic assessments.
- Company: Join Southend City Council, dedicated to children's success and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with regular team meetings and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and have 3 years post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ 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 & Assessment 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 a 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, approx 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
- excellent training and development opportunities
A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
Additional Information
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 - Advanced Practitioner - Fostering Kinship Team - Permanent - NEW SALARIES! in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer that values creativity and community engagement, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the cultural landscape of the city. With a strong focus on employee development, collaboration with arts leaders, and opportunities for innovative programming, you will thrive in a supportive culture that prioritises inclusivity and high-quality experiences for all residents and visitors. Join us in shaping the future of Southend's cultural assets while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant coastal location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103570 - Advanced Practitioner - Fostering Kinship Team - Permanent - NEW SALARIES! in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 South End 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 South End 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 South End 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 South End 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 R2R103570 - Advanced Practitioner - Fostering Kinship Team - Permanent - NEW SALARIES! in Southend-on-Sea
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 South End City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South End 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 South End 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.
