Children’s Services Advanced Practitioner (PO5)

Who You Are

You are an experienced social work professional with significant post-qualification experience. You are equipped with a professional qualification in social work and are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (or any successor body). You demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering high standards of social work and have the ability to support, mentor, and lead less experienced team members. You are proactive, empathetic, creative, and work well collaboratively with families, colleagues, and interagency partners.

What the Job Involves

You will support the Team Manager in developing social care practice to ensure high-quality social work. This role involves leading on accreditation processes, handling a complex caseload autonomously, and undertaking statutory social work functions such as safeguarding and permanence planning. You will coach and mentor less experienced team members, ensure compliance with legislation and standards, and manage challenging cases. Additionally, you will promote interagency collaboration, engage in reflective supervision, chair and attend meetings, and provide training to enhance the team's skills.

Skills

• Accreditation in specific social work training
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to analyze and process complex information
• Expertise in adult learning and holistic staff assessment
• Strong workload management and prioritization skills
• Commitment to human rights and equality principles
• Significant experience in social work post-qualification
• Coaching, mentoring, and knowledge transfer abilities
• In-depth knowledge of legal and policy frameworks in Children’s Social Care
• Effective collaboration and team work skills
• Reflective critical thinking and planning skills