Make an impact where it matters the most – Childrens Social Work in Devon.About the ServiceThe corporate parenting service is on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change; embedding and relational ways of working to drive practice that is focused on achieving the best outcomes possible for our children in care and care experienced young people.
We believe that for most families, the family home is the best place for children to live, with local, place-based support at the earliest opportunity from us and our partners.Together, we're working hard to deliver permanence for our children in long term care with a real focus on supporting children to thrive in Devon and build lifelong links with their family and their community.
We're proud of our workforce and what has been achieved for children and families in Devon.About the roleAs a Team Manager within Children Looked After you will lead and support your team of qualified practitioners and social care staff in developing long term relationships with children and young people, helping them reach their full potential.
You will be a supportive and professional leader who champions good practice, whilst promoting continual professional development within the team.You should be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the legislation and regulations surrounding children and young people in care, ensuring your team are applying these, therefore the ability to engage and communicate with other professionals is essential.You will be responsible for the QA of work and will take a pro-active role in supporting your team in producing quality work that will positively impact children and their families.You will ensure that all of the children and young people in our care have first-class care plans, regular purposeful visits and access to all the help and support they need to achieve fantastic outcomes now and in the future.About YouYou will need to be a Registered Social Worker with Social Work England, with experience in statutory social work with children and families.
You will be relentless in your focus on the child and uncompromising as a corporate parent.
You will demonstrate and role model restorative practice principles and will be passionate about relationship-based social work and proud of your profession.You will have significant experience of evidence-based practice with children and families, including in the corporate parenting space, and the expertise and approach to effectively supervise and manage social workers and other social care practitioners.You will be creative in your approach and will effectively negotiate partnerships to deliver for our children and young people.You will be a team player with the ability to work independently to demanding standards and deadlines whilst remaining able to reflect and think creatively about how you can support your social work teams to build relationships that make a difference to the children and families of Devon.You will have a continuous focus on the professional development of your team and yourself.Your skills and experience will include:A social work qualification and registration with Social Work EnglandSatisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment A high-level of written and verbal communication skills* The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionalsKnowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children's social workExceptional recording and planning skillsA valid UK driving licence and access to a car** Exceptions may apply under the Equality ActThe Service welcomes candidates committed to improving the lives of children and young people and who can demonstrate behaviours that positively contribute to service development.What you'll get in returnIn return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:Up to £2,000 annual retention payment (£1,000 paid every six months).Generous annual leave.Free onsite parking.Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.Membership of the Local Government Pension SchemeFor any queries or to arrange an informal discussion about this role, please contact Ricky Cooper - Applications close on 19/01/2025 and applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates upon shortlisting.