Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker) - Mockingbird
- Multiple Locations
- Part Time
- £38,626 - £42,708 per annum (pro rata)
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 (South) 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 a Supervising 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.
This role is part-time (18.5 hours) and is based at Follaton House, Totnes.
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 (e.g. 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 contact Mockingbird Team Manager: Cathy Dickson (cathy.dickson@devon.gov.uk)
Applications close on 29 June 2025 and applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates upon shortlisting.
For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
Internal Applicants: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Interviews may take place throughout our recruitment campaign, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment as we may close the advert early.
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.
REQ007959 - Childrens Social Care
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationSouth HamsSouth Devon
- Work Postcode
TQ9 5RS
- Reference
REQ007959
- Occupational GroupSocial Care & Health
- Salary Details
£38,626 - £42,708 per annum (pro rata)
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypePart Time
- Hours
18.5
- Closing Date
28/06/2025
- DBS Check Required
Yes