Post Ref: CC141
Salary: PO9 - 12, £39,571 – £42,614 pro rata, plus a retention payment of up to £2,400 per annum (conditions apply), 30 hours per week, permanent.
Calderdale Council provides a generous annual leave scheme of up to 35 days plus bank holidays for those who have 5 years or more local authority continuous service.
The Fostering service is on a continuing journey of development and self-improvement, always looking at how we can promote, support and develop the service to ensure the children we care for are experiencing the best possible care. We have been able to evidence success through low numbers of breakdown, low caseloads for supervising social workers and low staff turn-over rates.
Quality reflective supervision is provided and there is a strong learning culture within the service. We are committed to maintaining caseloads at a manageable level, which ensures practitioners are given the opportunities to work reflectively, effectively and robustly. We value our social work staff and in recognition we offer a retention payment after the first year of employment. You will be given a comprehensive induction program and provided with regular person focused supervision to meet your well-being, training and development needs. Calderdale is a place where you can make a difference.
The fostering service in Calderdale is split into 3 smaller teams, which we call POD’s. They have different areas of business such as assessment and recruitment and support and supervision.
We are recruiting a 30 hour per week Practice Manager to the supervision and support team. The role will be to supervise, develop and support social work staff within the Fostering Service, who each have a caseload of fostering families. The Practice Manager will be responsible for a small team of currently of 4 social workers and either the placement co-ordinator who supports the team to match children to fostering families or the training co-ordinator who works to develop and provide foster carer training.
Depending on the needs of the service at the time of appointment the role may sit within the mainstream carers pod or with connected carers and those seeking legal permanence through Special Guardianship.
The fostering team is well established with permanent staff who have worked within the service for a number of years, this is a unique opportunity for a Practice manager to join the team. We are looking for someone to join our team who has a passion and desire to continuously improve our outcomes utilising systemic practice approaches. Applications will be considered from experienced social workers wishing to progress into management or current managers looking for a development role within the fostering service. Applications will only be considered from those who hold a recognised social work qualification and can demonstrate a sound understanding of the Fostering Services Regulations and a commitment to achieving permanence for children and young people.
For a full breakdown of the benefits of working for Calderdale, please download our Application Guide.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Lucy Kavanagh lucy.kavanagh@calderdale.gov.uk or Kirsty Michael Kirsty.michael@calderdale.gov.uk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Closing Date: Monday, 31st October 2022
Calderdale may utilise digital interview methods.
As part of our Vision 2024 https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/ we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff.
All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date, an early submission is advised.