Mockingbird Family Practitioner - Fostering

Job description

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for a full-time Family Practitioner to join our innovative Mockingbird Constellation.

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.

This is a dynamic and diverse role where you will be a vital in the development of strong, positive relationships across the network of the hub and satellite homes, building and maintaining positive connections alongside a network of valuable support.

Our aim is to provide as much stability for our children in care as possible and our Family Practitioners play a vital role in supporting this to happen.

Mockingbird is a county-wide service and the successful applicant will be expected to travel throughout the whole of Devon. Therefore , it is an essential requirement of the role to have a full UK licence and access to a car (subject to reasonable adjustments that may need to be made in line with the Equality Act 2010).

This role can be based at either Barnstaple, Totnes or Exeter and will depend on the preference of the successful applicant.
About You

You will be confident at liaising with foster carers and doing direct work with children to provide practical hands-on help and support.

You will need to be trauma informed and therapeutic in your approach with the ability to support the team with matters relating to the needs of foster carers and their children. Building, trusting and positive relationships will be at the heart of the way you work.

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:

• Experience of working within social care, including working in a multi-agency environment
• Good written and verbal communication skills*
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
• 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 - [email protected] .

Applications close on 25 October 2026. This advert may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received, therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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.

REQ010711 - Children's Social Care