Advanced Practitioner

Job description

Join the team helping to transform Children's Services in Knowsley

Help us write the next chapter in Knowsley's improvement journey

There has never been a more exciting time to join Knowsley Children's Services.

We know that our Experienced and Advanced social workers want more than a job. You want manageable caseloads, supportive managers and the time to build meaningful relationships with children and families.

That's exactly what we are creating.

Knowsley is on an ambitious improvement journey, backed by significant investment and a determined leadership team committed to getting it right for children. Recent Ofsted monitoring recognised the progress we are making - highlighting improved workforce stability, strengthened leadership oversight, reduced caseloads and positive feedback from practitioners about working in Knowsley.

This is your opportunity to join a service that is investing in social work and where your expertise will genuinely shape the future.

Why experienced Cared for Children's Social Workers are choosing Knowsley

Be part of genuine improvement

Some authorities talk about change. In Knowsley, you can be part of delivering it.

As a practitioner, your voice matters. Your professional judgement, experience and ideas will directly influence services as we continue our improvement journey.

Lower caseloads, better practice

We have invested in creating permanent, additional social work posts specifically to reduce caseloads and improve children's experiences. This has included increasing capacity through the creation of an Accelerated Permanence Team who work closely with colleagues across Cared for Children's Services to secure permanence for children.

This means more time for purposeful direct work, relationship-based practice and better outcomes for children.

Supportive leadership that understands social work

Our senior leaders are visible, accessible and committed to creating the environment social workers need to thrive. We have a leadership team that is being expanded to ensure there is increased capacity to focus on improving outcomes for children and young people.

A Social Work Academy that invests in your career

At Knowsley, professional development isn't an afterthought.

Our Social Work Academy provides a strong learning culture, reflective practice opportunities, coaching and development pathways that support practitioners at every stage of their career.

Small enough to make a difference

Knowsley offers something many larger authorities cannot.

We are a smaller borough where you can see the impact of your work, know your communities and develop stronger professional networks.

Perfectly located

With excellent transport links across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Knowsley is easily accessible from across the North West.

You don't need to choose between a rewarding career and a manageable commute.

What you'll do

As an Experienced / advanced Social Worker within our Cared for Children's service you will:

• Undertake care planning and reviews for looked after children and young people helping to ensure they have stable placements that meet their needs and support their aspirations.
• Lead complex assessments and interventions.
• Support children and young people in understanding their life journey.
• Develop strong, purposeful relationships with children, their families and carers.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to manage risk and promote positive outcomes.
• Contribute to service development and practice improvement.

For our Advanced Practitioner Role we are also looking for someone with significant experience in supporting Cared for Children who can offer support, guidance and mentoring to colleagues within their team (including ASYE's), helping to build their confidence and knowledge in working with children and young people.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking confident, experienced practitioners who are passionate about safeguarding children and committed to achieving lasting change.

You will:

• Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Have experience of supporting cared for children and undertaking a safeguarding role.
• Be confident managing complex risk and decision-making.
• Be relationship-focused and child-centred in your practice.
• Have strong assessment, analysis and court skills.
• Hold a full valid driving licence and have access to a car for this role.

Our commitment to you

When you join Knowsley, you'll receive:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Reduced caseloads through continued investment in staffing
Strong management oversight and support
High-quality learning and development through our Social Work Academy
Local Government Pension Scheme
Employee wellbeing support
Clear career progression opportunities

See what our Social Workers say: watch here

Explore our full benefits https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/yes/our-offer

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role

For an informal chat about our vacancies please contact the Social Work Academy - [email protected] or

Joanne Sheridan, Interim Service Manager Cared for Children - [email protected]

To upload your CV you will need to click on the link below and create an account with Jobs Go Public if you have not already done so.

You will also be required to input your name and email address and will be invited to complete an equal opportunities questionnaire.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Friday 25th September

How to apply

Please upload your CV along with a supporting statement as one document in PDF or Word format. Your CV and supporting statement should be tailored to reflect the competencies within the person specification.

Please note if a CV and supporting statement does not reflect the person specification it is unlikely to be shortlisted. To upload your CV you will need to click on the link below and create an account with Jobs Go Public if you have not already done so.

You will also be required to input your name and email address and will be invited to complete an equal opportunities questionnaire.