Advanced Practitioner - Children in Care (Childrens)
London Borough of Havering Job Profile
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Job Title: Advanced Practitioner |
Directorate: People |
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Service/Section: Starting Well |
Post Number(s):
Job Evaluation Number: 3500 |
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Grade: G9 |
Date last updated: February 2024
Date of last Evaluation: March 2024 |
Main Purpose of the Job/Key Objectives:
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Job Context:
1. The post holder reports to the Team Manager.
2. The post holder has line management responsibility for a small number of qualified social workers, (ASYE assisted year in employment) , student social worker and non-qualified staff.
3. The post holder will be required to work outside normal office hours and provide out of hours support on a rota basis as required.
4. The post holder has financial and resources responsibility for team budget.
5. The post holder will deputise for the Team Manager as required.
Key Accountabilities and Result Areas:
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Key Result Area |
Expected End Result |
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Manages a complex caseload, organises and co-ordinates appropriate care plans (LAC, CP, CIN, and Pathway Plans) in conjunction with carers, multi- disciplinary teams and statutory, voluntary and private agencies, including cases involving cross borough working and organised abuse. |
Cases effectively managed across teams, statutory voluntary and private agencies and other boroughs where appropriate. |
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Provides formal and informal consultation for team members, as required |
Guidance and advice received and understood. |
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Develops specific areas of expertise e.g. Adoption, Special Guardianship, fostering, leaving care, Court work, Child Protection, CAMHS, Disability, Inter-Agency Working, Domestic Violence, harmful cultural practices etc. |
Is regarded as a lead expert in their chosen specialism. |
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Represents the service and/or the Council at relevant forums, working parties, practice seminars, etc. |
Attends appropriate forums, as requested, in order to represent the service. |
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Provides operational support to the transformation agenda. |
Projects undertaken and timescales for completion of projects achieved. |
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Receives, and provides, regular supervision, in line with departmental policy. |
Provides supervision to qualified and non-qualified staff. Will lead on group supervision and systemic supervision models. |
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Supervises students and formalises links with local colleges. |
Supervision of students undertaken, links made with local colleges. |
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Keeps up-to-date records and ensures the administrative requirements of the service are met. |
Records are up to date and in accordance with agreed protocols and guidance within the service. |
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Prepares detailed reports and briefings, as required, for senior managers and Elected Members and presents these (at times unaccompanied). |
Reports and briefings prepared in accordance with agreed timescales and delivered effectively. |
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Develops and motivates team members in order to provide effective leadership to staff. |
Provides effective leadership and development to the team and colleagues. Is able to motivate staff. |
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Has extensive knowledge and understanding of legislation and government policy in respect of Children’s Rights, Assessments and current issues relevant to service provision. |
Accurately interprets legislation, policies and procedures. |
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Sound financial decisions are made in line with current approval limits for |
Ensures services are value for money and is accountable for identified outcomes. |
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best use of council money. |
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Ensures that good quality reports are prepared for court, child protection conferences and child care reviews and presents these unaccompanied. |
Reports completed and presented as required. |
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Chairs child protection core groups and other complex meetings that involve risk to children. |
Chairs complex and sensitive meetings, demonstrating sound professional judgement. |
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Has specialist knowledge and understanding at an advanced level of social work theory, and current legislation and research (relating to anti-oppressive practice, child development and other key practice/service areas) and the implications for practice. |
Accurately interprets social work theory, research and legislation as it applies to positive social work practice. |
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Works in a systemic manner in line with current practice guidance. |
Ensures that systemic practice is implemented in practice. |
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Has detailed knowledge and understanding of issues outside of social work, e.g. community priorities, etc. |
Wider knowledge of issues outside of social work is demonstrated and can be shared in context with colleagues. |
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Deals with complex and contentious communications, demonstrating sensitivity and confidentiality and an appropriate degree of discretion. |
Complex and contentious communications are dealt with appropriately. |
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Listens to, and communicates with, service users who are unhappy with service provision. Seeks to mediate and resolve complaints and representations at the earliest opportunity. |
Evidence of good communication and ability to resolve complaints swiftly and effectively. |
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Develops and maintains good working relationships in statutory, voluntary agencies and hospitals. |
Sound relationships are created and maintained with partner agencies. |
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Keeps up to date with developments in Social Work practice, policies and procedures. |
Updates own knowledge and attends relevant learning and development interventions, including workshops and courses. |
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Works with Principal Social Worker, and other managers/practitioners, to develop new ways of working that directly impact on service practice. |
Rising standards in working practice of qualified staff, and improved quality of service provision to children, young people and their families, are clearly evidenced. |
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Acts as a focal point within the team for the development/implementation of policies, plans, procedures and contributes to learning and development, working parties and development programmes. |
Knowledge is shared across the team and the service as a whole to support the raising of Social Work practice standards and the quality of social care provision. |
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Develops, maintains and encourages high professional standards within the team and department. |
Professional standards are maintained and improvements are seen, over time, in Social Work practice and social care provision. |
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Makes use of, and participates in,the development of management information systems, including IT recording, retrieval and analysis of and development of networks with voluntary and other agencies. Assists in the development of robust record keeping systems and disseminates information within the service. |
IT records are maintained and suggestions for developing current systems are reported, when required. Uses data to inform practice and monitor performance. |
Competency Profile
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styles and preferences · Respects confidentiality wherever appropriate · Acts upon concerns about discrimination or inequality of opportunity · Applies consistent standards of service and response |
Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)
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Competency |
Result |
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Professionalism |
Identify and behave as a professional Social Worker committed to professional development. Maintain Social Work England registration. Demonstrate professional commitment by being responsible for their conduct, practice and learning. |
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Values and Ethics |
Apply social work ethical principles and values to guide practice. Demonstrate ethical decisions. Demonstrate knowledge about the value base. |
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Diversity |
Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-aggressive principles in their practice. |
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Rights justice and Economic wellbeing |
Ensure as a Social Worker, advance human rights and promote social justice and economic wellbeing. |
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Apply knowledge |
Apply knowledge of Social Services law and social work theory and practice. |
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Critical reflection and analysis |
Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision making. |
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Intervention |
Use judgement and skills to intervene with families to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse. |
Additional Requirements:
n The Council has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in its services to the community and in the employment of people. It expects all employees to understand, comply with and promote its policies in their own work, and to undertake any appropriate training.
n Comply with Health and Safety Regulations associated with your employment.
n Be aware of the Council’s responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1984 for the security, accuracy and relevance of all personal data held on such systems and ensure that all processes comply with this.
n To treat all information acquired through your employment, both formally and informally, in strict confidence. There are strict rules and protocols defining employees’ access to and use of the council’s databases, any breach of which will be regarded as subject to disciplinary investigation.
n Potential requirement to work at any Council site or venues across the county to meet the needs of children and families.
n To demonstrate a flexible approach in the delivery of work within the service area. Consequently, the postholder may be required to perform duties not specifically identified in the job profile but which are in line with the general responsibilities of the post or as required by their manager.
n Weekend and evening working is a regular feature of this job.
Deal with any Safeguarding issues that might arise, in line with the Council’s policies and procedur
A message from our director:
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and families? Do you have a strong desire to be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of Havering’s community? If so, we invite you to join us in our mission to elevate our local authority's Children's Social Care Services, situated within our Starting Well Department.
Following our recent inadequate Ofsted inspection, we are embarking on an improvement journey where we aim to re-establish and reinvigorate great practice across all our services delivered in Havering. As part of this journey, we are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic social care practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference, driven by a genuine desire to advocate for children, promote their well-being, and who are not afraid to take on the challenge of working for a local authority who have been inspected by Ofsted as inadequate.
In return, we want to offer you the opportunity to develop your skills through our dedicated 10 days of learning a year offer and access to our very own Social Care Academy and Systemic offer. We are committed to creating an environment where every child receives the best possible support and care, and all staff are supported to thrive and excel in safe, supported, and nurturing environments.
Our Senior leaders have worked on an improvement plan, and if you are ready to embrace this challenge and play a pivotal role in shaping our journey, we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our vision and drive.
Havering is an outer London borough like no other. Sitting in Northeast London (Zone 6), we have three Crossrail stations in borough which means we are only 30 minutes from Oxford Street. We are well connected to the hustle and bustle of the city, whilst just a short drive or bus ride from the surrounding Essex countryside and coast, giving our residents the best of both city and rural living.
It’s no wonder that we have one of the fastest growing and increasingly diverse child populations in the country, who benefit from living in one of the greenest areas in London. We have some amazing parks, 16 of which have green flag award status, and we are served by a rich mix of foundation, community, voluntary aided and academy schools with great Ofsted ratings.
Havering Town Hall, which hosts our main offices, is in the centre of Romford - our largest town and home to a vibrant street market dating back to 1247. Our offices are a 5 minute walk from the main shopping centres which host a range of popular shops, restaurants and gyms.
We are also unique in our political makeup, with Havering Residents’ Association working to make a Havering you want to be part of.
We are dedicated to creating the right conditions to support our social care practitioners to thrive by fostering an environment where you can develop your skills and knowledge alongside like-minded individuals. We value our employees and offer a range of benefits:
- We are a family-friendly employer and welcome applications for part time roles at 0.5 full time equivalent
- £4,000 annual market supplement payment for Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners, Team Managers and Service Managers
- A tailored training programme along with development opportunities through our very own dedicated Social Care Academy and corporate offer of 10 days of learning per year
- Access to accredited systemic training and in-house practice application workshops
- A commitment to achieving and maintaining manageable caseloads
- Generous local government pension scheme and leave entitlement
- Subsidised parking at various council-owned car parks across the borough
- Modern workplace equipped with the latest technology
- A strong corporate health and wellbeing offer, discounted gym membership, employee assistance programme and much more
- Annual staff recognition schemes (STAR awards and Social Care awards) celebrating and recognising staff commitment and achievement 
- Access to a range of staff forums including LGBTQI+, B.A.M.E., Faith, Ability, Women’s, and Men’s forums.
If you have any questions about applying, please contact Talent Team: Talent@havering.gov.uk