Practice Development Advisors

1 x Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
2 x Temporary/fixed term for 12 months. We would consider internal secondments for the 2 fixed term posts subject to the agreement of the substantive Team Manager/Service Manager (37 hours per week)

Are you passionate about the learning and development of others?

Do you like to keep abreast of research, social care policy and theory?

If so, we would be delighted to receive your application for the post of Practice Development Advisor in our Children’s Social Care Academy. We support frontline staff through the provision of the latest training to ensure they can deliver the best outcomes for the children, young people and their families. Following a recent OFSTED inspection, it was highlighted:The creation and ongoing development of the Children’s Social Care Academy are impressive, and the academy is starting to have a positive impact on practice.’

About the role

You will be joined by our team of Practice Development Advisors and Restorative Practice Coaches reporting to the Academy & Quality Assurance Team Manager. As a qualified and experienced social worker, you will make a significant contribution to staff development by supporting our newly qualified social workers on their ASYE programme and our social work students. There will be a particular focus on the career progression of our Experienced Social Workers.

Presence in the office is vital to embed positive relationships from the outset. This is complimented by our hybrid working model, whilst still delivering the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

About you

You will have strong organisational, communication and analytical skills and be readily able to apply these skills to the diverse range of work that you will be responsible for. You will be a team player who recognises the strengths in others work and knows how your work can contribute to a whole team ethos. You will know about the challenges and potential for learning and development across the service.

What we can offer you

There are many benefits to joining Devon County Council and in exchange for your dedication, skills and experience we can offer a number of employee benefits including:

• Dedicated support with regular supervision from line management so you can critically reflect on your practice on a regular basis. Group supervisions are also offered, allowing you to learn from your colleagues and grow the strength of your social work practice together.
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking
• Flexible working opportunities and promotion of a healthy work-life balance, including working from home where possible – Please visit Happy to Talk Flexible Workingfor more information
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
• 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

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates promptly.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Marianne Jackson – [email removed].

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.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

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.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - 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.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.