Do it for Devon - Bring your skills and passion to our team and join us as Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker) for our Mockingbird Team (Exeter) in Fostering.
About Us
Our Fostering service plays an integral part in Devon County’s role as a corporate parent by ensuring that all placements for children and young people in Devon are safe, nurturing and thriving. To support in the achievement of this our Mockingbird team uses the innovative and pioneering Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) to provide sustainable foster care and involves foster carers being part of a wider support network with other foster carers (known as satellite foster homes). This wider network is supported by a central ‘hub’ home, who provide resources and support to the satellite homes, helping to build a strong and resilient community, similar to that of an extended family,
About the Role
We are looking for aSupervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker)to work across the network of the hub and satellite homes, building and maintaining positive connections alongside a network of valuable support.
As someone who knows what good foster care looks like, you will be responsible for providing high quality and timely assessments to ensure children and young people in Devon are receiving the highest level of foster care. This is a challenging, yet very rewarding environment where you can make a crucial contribution to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Devon.
Responsibilities include:
Foster carer supervisions and ongoing support to carers Completion of high-quality carer annual reviews Unannounced visits to foster carers Facilitating monthly Mockingbird carer coffee mornings Attendance at and supporting Mockingbird family activities Close work with childcare teams and other professionals to ensure safety and wellbeing of children Attendance at meetings child in care reviews, risk assessment, stability meetings etc). Presenting to fostering panel.
About You
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will model social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations. You will be passionate about improving children’s life chances through restorative practice and will champion a collaborative culture, where opportunities for reflection and learning are supported.
As an experienced Social Worker with energy and enthusiasm, you will be able to demonstrate success in the management of complex situations. You will be committed to reflective practice and will know how to energise, motivate and challenge practitioners. You will have an ability to work to deadlines in a fast paced and supportive environment. We are looking for people who are strong in partnership working, think creatively and are not afraid to try new things.
Your skills and experience will include:
A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Experience of working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment, with knowledge of fostering regulations A high-level of written and verbal communication skills* The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work Exceptional recording and planning skills A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
*Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
Generous annual leave, & the ability to purchase additional 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 Scheme. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform. Cycle to work scheme. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contactMockingbird Team Manager: Cathy Dickson()
Applications close on13 April 2025and applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates upon shortlisting.
