We have new and exciting opportunities to join Achieving for Children as an Advanced Practitioner within the Safeguarding Team based in Kingston and Richmond. As an Advanced Practitioner you will be responsible for assisting social workers to develop their experience and skills in managing court work.
About the role
This is a role within Achieving for Children’s Safeguarding service. The Safeguarding service is focused on progressing long-term plans for children and their families. This includes Child in Need, Child Protection, pre-proceedings and court work retaining responsibility until Final Orders are made.
This role is developed for those with extensive experience and skills that wish to remain in frontline practice and who may not wish to progress along a management route
The post holder will have a more complex caseload of Child Protection, pre-proceedings and court cases
The post holder will also be responsible for assisting social workers to develop experience and skills in managing court work including co-working cases to assist in developing this experience. They will be required to deputise for the Team Leaders where needed
The post holder will support social workers so that their practice is effective, meets regulatory requirements, complies with statutory guidance, and learns from evidence-based interventions and innovative practice
For further information or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sophie Doran, Head of Service Safeguarding Kingston by email sophie.doran@achievingforchildren.org.uk
To be an Advanced Practitioner in the Safeguarding Team you will need to...
Educated to a degree level with a relevant professional qualification in social work (CSS/CQSW or DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW)
Active Social Work England registration and proven evidence of professional development
Significant experience working in Child Protection, court work and permanency planning
Experience of keeping and maintaining records (in accordance with local policy) and producing accurate reports, presentations, written updates to a range of stakeholders (which may include families, children or young people)
An ability to manage an agreed caseload of complex cases including court work
Experience of writing evidence for Court as well as giving oral evidence in court cases
Knowledge of statutory legislation (for example The Children Act) and national policy drivers that will affect children’s services and your role
A passion to demonstrate and promote our values (Trust, Respect and Empower) through professional behaviours and relationships with all stakeholders and staff to support children and young people to live safe, happy, healthy and successful lives
This role is developed for those with extensive experience and skills that wish to remain in frontline practice and who may not wish to progress along a management route.
Achieving for Children (AfC) is a community interest company (a not-for-profit social enterprise) created in 2014 by the Royal Borough of Kingston and the London Borough of Richmond to provide their children’s services. In 2017, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead joined AfC as our third owner.
We deliver the full range of children’s services for the three councils. Achieving for Children is a great place to work for those looking for a new challenge. Our offer to you includes:
A role in an organisation that is supportive
An induction offer that starts before you join and includes a welcome event on your first day of employment.
29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after two years and 35 days after four years
Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
Hybrid or mobile working and the technology and equipment to facilitate this
Positions available in three of the most desirable boroughs in the south - discrete relocation packages are available for selected roles
Travel assistance package for business use, including car and cycle mileage reimbursement, annual season ticket loan or business Oyster cards
Two days accredited Signs of Safety Foundation Training
12 protected Development Days each year for all staff
Access to a huge range of additional professional development opportunities as part of our regional Social Work Teaching Partnership
On occasions we are in the position to offer some additional financial payments for particularly hard to place roles in selected service areas of AfC.
If you would like to have an informal chat about working with us, please email recruitment@achievingforchildren.org.uk