Advanced Practitoner Social Worker

An exciting opportunity is available as part of Lewisham's Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams as part of the DfE's Families First reforms. We are seeking an experienced social worker to become an Advanced Practitioner in one of the Multi Agency Child Protection Teams, some of the first in the country to be fully operational along the expectations of the reforms.

This role will play a key part in the shaping and development of the team and is an exciting opportunity to influence social work practice on a local and national level.  The successful candidate will be able to work effectively across the multi-agency partnership to ensure the safeguarding of children in Lewisham. In addition, the postholder will have the opportunity to work within a project reshaping the child protection practice system which in turn will influence national practice development.

The successful candidate will have considerable experience of working in frontline operational safeguarding practice and a thorough knowledge of child protection and PLO/court processes and accompanying legislation.

The Role The Advanced Practitioner supports the Team Manager and will have responsibilities in working alongside members of the Family Help service where there are concerns regarding significant harm to children.

This is a crucial role which requires strong practice knowledge and experience, and a proactive approach to contribute to a positive team culture within a multi-agency staff group. The role will require you to work closely with other teams in children’s social care, developing and maintaining relationships with staff and our partner agencies.

About You Those applying for this post will need to have … Minimum 3 years post qualifying experience in frontline safeguarding practice Experience working with families in PLO and care proceedings Experience in supervising less experienced staff is desirable but not essential

The person applying must have a thorough technical knowledge of the requirements of Working Together 2023, the Pan London Child Protection Procedures and other relevant safeguarding statutory guidance.  A track record of working within practice improvement and an in depth understanding of the Signs of Safety practice framework are essential.

You will work alongside your team to promote and deliver the objective, that all children and young people in Lewisham are safe and reach their full potential.

You will need to be a skilled and reflective practitioner with a clear vision of what good practice with children and families looks like.  You will be able to make effective decisions regarding children’s safety and use your skills to support change and improvement.

You will need to be a registered social worker and have recent proven frontline operational experience and be able to demonstrate your experience, skill, and ability to think strategically and embed the strategic objectives into operational practice. You will need to evidence reflective and creative practice.

A child focused approach is essential, ensuring that the views of Lewisham children are central to developing and delivering services.

Our Vision - What Good Children’s Social Work Looks Like in Lewisham In Lewisham Children’s Social Care, we know what good social work looks like and we are passionate about creating the right conditions and culture for good practice to thrive.

Families are respected and supported to stay together, whenever there is safety. Families will tell us they understand why we are involved. Children will tell us their social worker has made a difference to their lives. Children who are in our care know we care and we won’t give up on them. Young people who have been in our care feel confident about their future.

Creating an Inclusive Lewisham A core value of Lewisham Council is to 'draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham'. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.

What we’re looking for If you want to work in a thriving borough and our social work vision connects with your professional values, then we are interested in hearing from you. We are looking for people to join our team who:

value the importance of communication and seeking feedback can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.