Senior Practitioner - Children's Fostering Service

Croydon Council; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Croydon seeks a Senior Practitioner for the Children's Fostering Service. The role involves providing leadership, delivering training to foster carers, and managing complex cases to ensure positive outcomes for children. Ideal candidates should be experienced social workers with expertise in children's social care, capable of motivating others. The position offers a competitive salary on a hybrid working model, with office attendance required three days weekly.

Qualifications

• Highly experienced Social Worker with expertise in children's social care.
• Knowledge of legislative frameworks and reflective supervision practices.
• Experience working in fostering or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and exemplify direct work in practice.
• Deliver training to foster carers and support team staff.
• Manage complex cases and contribute to positive outcomes for children.

Skills

Ability to manage, develop and motivate others

Experience of managing complex cases

Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance

Knowledge of national policy regarding children's social care

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with SWE

Job description

Job Description

Senior Practitioner - Children's Fostering Service

Salary: Grade 15 (£55,323-£57,402)
Permanent - 36 hours per week
Hybrid working (3 office days per week / 2 home office)

Job Purpose

The Senior Practitioner role reports to the Team Manager providing leadership of practice through exemplary direct work; development of staff and specialist focused on a given area of practice.

They are an expert practitioner who directly delivers or contributes to the delivery of positive safety and well‑being outcomes for children. They will support other staff within the team to develop their level of practice and expertise and grow the confidence in their practice.

The successful candidate will have a responsibility of delivering the training to foster carers and colleagues, while managing students and having responsibility of managing complex cases.

Essential Requirements

• We are looking for highly experienced and qualified Social Worker, registered with SWE.
• Knowledge of national policy, strategy and developments regarding children’s social care, and areas that impact on children’s social care.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, standards and procedures.
• Ability to manage, develop and motivate others.
• Experience of managing complex cases.
• Knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks, practice models and research findings.
• Knowledge of models of reflective supervision that impact on practice and outcomes.
• Experience of working in fostering or similar.
• Ability to provide support to the Team Manager, including acting up responsibility in their absence.

About Us

Croydon Council's Priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services.

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable.
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses.
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice.
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities.

Key Business Plan Outcomes

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home.
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
• Croydon Council's new ways of working.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.