Fostering Social Work Consultant
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
27/03/2023
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 10/04/2023 23:59
Salary:
Grade 13 £42,503 - £46,549
Job Category:
Social Work - Children Service
Employment Location:
Your normal place of work will be at an approved team location, plus hybrid working
Further Information
Are you ready to progress your social work career to the next level?
We are looking for an innovative Social Work Consultant to join our Fostering and Connected Carers team, supporting the development of effective social care practice.
We are delighted to be expanding our dedicated team and growing the support we provide to our fantastic carers.
We are passionate about social work in County Durham. We are committed to providing a culture where good practice can flourish. We ensure our social workers are highly supported and encourage flexible working to achieve a good work-life balance.
We are proud to be recognised as Supportive Employer of the Year, at the Social Work Awards 2022.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As an experienced and knowledgeable consultant, you will support the management and supervision of social workers within the Fostering service to ensure high quality and effective services are delivered to children and their carers.
You will play a key role in developing and monitoring the competency of social care consultants through developing, maintaining and championing expertise within the Fostering service; driving best practice based on research, evidence, and professional experience.
You will provide constructive challenge to enhance practice, procedures, and policies, promote innovation and introduce new ways of working from recognised areas of excellence.
You will contribute to the development of knowledge and promotion of excellence within the team making use of sophisticated, critical reasoning as well as modelling and facilitating reflective and evidence-based decision making.
Signs of Safety is our practice framework supporting consistent practice across Children's Social Care and all of our partners, which is designed to help you slow down your thinking so that robust evidence-based assessment and analysis guides your practice.
For more information about children’s Social Work in Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/childrenssocialwork
We encourage you to contact Victoria McDowell (Team Manager - Connected Carers) on 03000 269291 or email victoria.mcdowell@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
• A degree in social work or equivalent social work qualification, and a current Social Work England Registration
• Substantial and recent post qualifying experience in statutory social work with children and families
• Experience of developing others by using a range of different techniques such as practice teaching, training, mentoring and observations of practice
• Knowledge of a range of social work interventions and methods and a commitment to use of solution-focused, strength-based approaches with families
• Knowledge of social work theory and practice and knowledge of current legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families
Please refer to the Person Specification for the full criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the Person Specification section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the Person Specification will not be short-listed.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are scheduled to be held week beginning 24th April 2023.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Payroll and Employee Services Team via email PESCYPS@durham.gov.uk
BENEFITS AND REWARDS
You will join a fantastic team where you are valued, and your wellbeing is a priority.
You will be supported to work flexibly and to have a good work/life balance. We operate a hybrid working model with home working options.
You will benefit from a range of training opportunities and professional development through personalised induction, professional supervision, and mentoring.
Find out more about how we support our social workers www.durham.gov.uk/childrenssocialwork
We can offer you a range of employee benefits including competitive salaries, a generous leave entitlement of up to 32 days (from 1 April), a government pension scheme and various flexible and hybrid working options (benefits are subject to individual Terms and Conditions).
Find out more www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
Please note
This job is closed for applications.