Children's Supervising (Liaison) Social Worker - Mockingbird, Fostering
- North Devon, Mid Devon
- Full Time
- £39,862 - £44,075 p.a
Bring your skills and passion to a team that’s transforming foster care in Devon. We’re looking for a full-time Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker) to join our innovative Mockingbird Constellation covering North & Mid Devon and based at Taw View in Barnstaple.
The Mockingbird Team uses the pioneering Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) to create sustainable foster care communities. Foster carers are connected through a network of satellite homes, supported by a central hub home that provides resources, guidance, and emotional support - mirroring the strength and resilience of an extended family.
As a Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker), you will 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, ensuring children and young people in Devon are receiving the highest level of foster care
- Supporting foster carers within the Mockingbird constellation, offering regular supervision and completion of carer annual reviews
- Facilitating connections between satellite homes and the hub home through the promotion of stability, collaboration, and community among carers
- Undertaking unannounced visits to Foster carers
- Facilitating monthly Mockingbird carer coffee mornings
- Attending and supporting Mockingbird family activities
- Working closely with other childcare teams and professionals to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children
- Attending meetings – including child in care reviews, risk assessment, stability meetings
- Presenting to fostering panel
Our Mockingbird team plays a vital role in Devon County Council’s commitment as a corporate parent by building resilient support networks and safe, nurturing placements where children can thrive.
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)
- Social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations, with exceptional recording and planning skills
- 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
- The ability to successfully manage complex situations.
- A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
*Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
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. We are looking for individuals who are strong in partnership working, are able to think creatively and are not afraid to try new things.
Click here to view the Job Description.
Working for Devon County Council
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 more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact Mockingbird Team Manager: George Maddocks - george.maddocks@devon.gov.uk.
Applications close on 6 September 2026. Interviews may take place throughout our recruitment campaign, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment as this advert may close early.
Internal Applicants: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please Note: At this time, we are only accepting applications from candidates who are currently residing in the UK and are unable to consider overseas applications.
Additional Information
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
REQ010455 - Children's Social Care