Childrens Services Advanced Practitioner - Fostering Team

Childrens Services Advanced Practitioner - Fostering Team

Here at Lincolnshire County Council, we believe that children, young people and families deserve outstanding social care. Our high aspirations mean we’re now at the forefront of innovation and while we’ve made great strides, we want to achieve more. This year Lincolnshire were once again rated Outstanding by Ofsted and were delighted to also be selected by the Department of Education to be one of three national Families First for Children Pathfinder Authorities. The pathfinder was formally announced in July 2023 as part of the government’s children’s social care implementation strategy, ‘Stable homes, built on love’.  This brings an exciting opportunity for Lincolnshire who are recognised within the sector as an innovative and transformational authority.

What you’ll be doing

As an Advanced Practitioner within the Fostering Service you will assess, support and supervise Lincolnshire’s Foster Carers, which includes connected/kinship carers and those providing foster care to unrelated children. Consequently, you will be required to have a thorough understanding of The Fostering Service Regulations & National Minimum Standards 2011. You will have an appreciation for the central role support networks play and will encourage carers to access their support network and draw upon services provided by the local authority and beyond. As part of this role, you will be required to complete Regulation 24 assessments and Special Guardianship Order assessments as well as undertaking from assessments and providing supervision and support to carers.

 You will work with Foster Carers and their families throughout the process of assessment, approval, supervision and review. You will work collaboratively across the services and with other professional disciplines attending a multitude of professional meetings relevant to the care of children. You will understand how to work within the context of complex family situations in a restorative manner.  It is a busy role however caseloads are well balanced, and you will receive monthly supervision and ample training opportunities.

You will be one of 5 Advance Practitioners across the Fostering Service and will work collaboratively with the others to develop practice workshops which support the professional development of the Supervising Social Workers in the team and support best practice.  As such you will be a champion of best practice and strive for continual development of yourself and others. Although you will not have supervisory responsibility, you will mentor and support Supervising Social Workers, ASYE social workers and students when required.

 About you

• Social Work England registered practitioner
• Significant social work experience and an in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
• A firm belief in the importance of social work values and practice.
• An excellent communicator who builds strong working relationships with colleagues, families and external agencies.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure
• Above all, someone who wants to achieve the best possible result for each and every child.

In return, we’re committed to supporting your continuous professional development and career progression. You will have a thorough induction, regular personal and case supervision.

We are offering a competitive salary of £ £40,221 - £44,428 + 7% attraction and retention payment paid monthly, along with an extensive benefits package, details of which can be found in rewards and benefits brochure and many areas for professional support and development.

If this sounds' like the role for you, then please read through the full Job Description, to help you do the best application possible, before clicking apply!  If you would like to know more about Lincolnshire County Council and our current vacancies then click the following link: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk .

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding the role then please email nicola.brangam@lincolnshire.gov.uk]

Interviews will be held w/c 15th July.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.