Advanced Practitioner.3381
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
07/01/2022
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 31/01/2022 23:59
Job Category:
Social Care - Children Service
Employment Location:
Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington
Further Information
Northumberland Children services is proud to be a Learning Organisation and actively support workers to be the best social workers they can. Northumberland Children’s Social Care Services are judged to be Good across all areas and we maintain a focus on continuous improvement.
We have extended our offer therefore now have opportunities within our South and East Locality Team (Blyth) or our Central Locality Safeguarding Team (Bedlington) and within our First Contact/MASH Team (Bedlington).
If you are passionate about social work and want to make a difference, we are seeking to appoint pro-active Advanced Practitioners (Social Workers) experienced in working with Children in Need, Child Protection and Children Looked After. As an Advanced Practitioner you act as a role model demonstrating good practice, supporting colleagues through mentoring and coaching.
If you are passionate about children, have excellent communication, assessment and intervention skills and a commitment to high quality practice, then you might be the right person to join our ‘Northumberland Social Work Family’.
A bit about our Teams …
The South/East and Central Locality Safeguarding Teams have 5 small teams, with Social Work Support Assistants, newly qualified Social Workers from our ASYE Academy, alongside experienced Social Workers and a Team Manager for each team. The teams cover the full range of Social Work practice, with opportunities for Social Workers to specialise in certain areas and become team ‘Champions’. The teams provide good quality informal and formal support, supervision, group supervision, appraisals and excellent training opportunities especially around Signs of Safety, our chosen practice model to support children and families. Caseloads are manageable and there are excellent relationships with early help and multi-agency colleagues. There is a strong focus on good practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and families. There are flexible arrangements available and supports in place around agile working and combining being office based and working from home.
First Contact and MASH
Northumberland MASH received recognition and has been commended as a model of best practice which other authorities aspire to mirror. The First Contact assessment workers are responsible for immediate safety planning and carry out statutory Children and Family Assessments and child Protection Enquiries. We have established close working partnerships with colleagues across a range of agencies in conjunction with an effective Early Help Offer. We have developed new ways of working during the unprecedent times using technology to ensure workers are not isolated whilst continuing to deliver quality services. Whilst workers have welcomed the flexibility of working from home we recognise and value the importance of Teams working together.
ABOUT YOU
· You will have experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with direct experience of working with children/young people.
· You will always want to hear the child's voice and ensure that this is taken into account.
· You will have excellent communication skills and be able to make decisions and plans with children and their families.
· You will be empathetic and sensitive to the needs of children, young people and families.
· You will understand the importance of performance information and your contribution to maintaining high standards.
· You will have excellent communication skills and be able to convey complex messages in a straightforward way, both verbally and in writing.
· You will not be afraid to think creatively to solve problems.
· You will be passionate about maximising a child's life chances to improve their overall outcomes.
· You will be confident practitioner with a proven ability to transfer knowledge and skills to colleagues through coaching, mentoring and co-working and be effective in establishing a professional network that promotes learning and practice development for self and others. This will include providing critical reflection and challenge to support the development of social workers.
If your skill-set includes the above, come and join a progressive and innovative multi agency organisation which values all of our employees.
You will hold a relevant Social Work qualification such as the Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or CSS and be registered with the Social Work England.
We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is working in regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for a barred individual to apply for a job in regulated activity.
We offer:
· A competitive salary up to £41,881 (dependent on grade and experience) with a wide range of additional benefits...
Induction, support and mentoring from day one in post
Regular reflective case supervision and focus on your continuous training and career development
A supportive and learning environment
Career progression opportunities
A generous remuneration package
Generous flexi scheme that enables you to work flexibly and help you to balance professional and personal demands
Essential car users’ allowance, free parking
Access to lease car scheme
Opportunities for Continuing Professional development
Training and support in the Signs of Safety practice model
Access/licence to Community Care Inform
Health and Wellbeing supports access to OHP, Physio and Counselling
Please take a moment to hear our social workers views about working for Northumberland:
Mel - https://youtu.be/T9vkj_F2HVQ
Paul - https://youtu.be/TaX5JHVcA_Q
Charlotte - https://youtu.be/3jRM8sYsYA0
Northumberland - https://youtu.be/xdI-zRQZDY4
To arrange an informal discussion, please email?childrenssocialcarejobs@northumberland.gov.uk
https://northumberland365.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/ED-SeniorManager/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BADC7091B-4625-4635-B0AD-0ABCD0514883%7D&file=3381-Advanced-Practitioner%20-update%20June2021%20(1).docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
But don’t take our word for it! Here’s some information from our staff survey 2021 …
Staff feel motivated by support from management towards career progression. Post qualification training is available, and staff feel they are treated fairly and with equity.
Social workers felt they had a defined framework in which to work and social workers are clear about their role and accountability.
Social workers have uninterrupted, supervision with an appropriately skilled supervisor.
Northumberland’s policy supports CPD around developing individuals and in turn their colleagues by providing opportunities for social workers to become practice educators and/or practice supervisors.
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk//getmedia/6eb40fa9-c9a1-4cf8-b90c-087b065b0526/3381-Advanced-Practitioner.aspx
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk//getmedia/1c92f422-07c5-4080-a16a-7d13126446c3/Leadership-Pledge-Flier.aspx
Northumberland County Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community. We recognise the difficulties that transgender applicants in particular may face during a recruitment process; any concerns regarding the process can be discussed with Jag Stockham (Trans HR Support Officer) on 01670 623 130 or email? jag.stockham@northumberland.gov.uk
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. All applications to work on a part-time will be considered in line with the requirements of the post and the needs of the service.
The closing date is 31 January 2022 at midnight
Please note
This job is closed for applications.