Westmorland and Furness Council
Salary: £44,428 - £45,441
The advertised salary includes a supplement (JWC) to the base grade of the post. JWC supplements are conditional on the physical demands and /or working conditions of the role.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location(s): Barrow, Kendal or Penrith however flexible and/or home working is available
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council as a Practice Improvement Lead for the Childrens Social Work Academy.
Our new Children’s Social Work Academy will support Social Workers throughout their career from ASYE throughout our career framework, recognising the value and importance of investing in our workforce. As Practice Improvement Lead- Social Work Academy, you will be responsible for providing support for ASYE Assessors and Practice Educators, ensuring that during the ASYE Newly Qualified Social Workers are receiving the support and guidance they require to complete the ASYE programme. The role will deliver our new induction programme for new starters into children and families social work as well as ASYEs, whilst organising the workforce’s yearly training plan and development days and developing our champions network, to support us in driving forward Outstanding practice. The role will also be responsible for overseeing the ASYE panels and Practice Education panels, to support career progression in Westmorland and Furness. The role will create strong links with local Universities by attending careers days and lectures, to support with recruitment and leading on the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual who will be able to inspire and support our Social Work workforce, working alongside leaders to develop our Childrens Social Work academy.
Westmorland and Furness Council was officially formed in April 2023, which means this is an extremely exciting time to join us, we have made great progress in our journey to deliver innovative and impactful services. Our plans are purposeful and set out how we will measure the positive difference we are making for our families.
At Westmorland and Furness, we recognise that a permanent and stable workforce is an essential part of improving outcomes for children and young people. So, we make it our priority to ensure all our workers have the guidance, support, culture, environment, and tools to be able to do this work well. We are proud of the culture that we have created, our staff tell us they enjoy working for the organisation, it is important for us that staff continue to feel valued and want to work for us. Our workforce are highly skilled, compassionate and committed to making a difference to our children and their families. We are committed to providing a robust package of support to guide you through your social work career and aid your continuous professional development.
If you have the skills and experience required to drive our Childrens Social Work Academy and give social workers in Westmorland and Furness the support and opportunities they need to excel in their career, then please get in touch.
If you are interested in what you have read and would like to have an informal discussion, please contact: katie.allison@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
What can we offer you!
- Excellent training and development offers
- Flexible working opportunities
- Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)
- Various perks and discounts schemes, including money off your phone contract and local gyms
- Competitive rates of pay
- A 12-month digital trial (from 1 June 2024) of a new scheme that allows free workplace car parking for employees in all Westmorland and Furness Council owned car parks between Monday to Friday.
DBS
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s and Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and children.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 21 July 2024
Interview date: 31 July 2024
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.
If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.
Safer Recruitment
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
Please read the Supporting Information:
Post Specification
Role Profile