Mockingbird Supervising Social Worker - Fostering (North & Mid)

As a Supervising Social Worker, you'll play a key role in supporting and strengthening the Mockingbird constellation, working closely with foster carers to help create a stable, collaborative and supportive community.

Through the provision of regular supervision, completion of annual reviews and unannounced visits you will facilitate connections between the hub home and satellite homes. You'll also help bring the constellation together through monthly carer coffee mornings and family activities, creating opportunities for carers and families to build relationships, share experiences and feel part of a strong network of support.

Alongside this, you'll undertake high-quality, timely assessments to help ensure children and young people in Devon receive the best possible foster care. Working collaboratively with children's social care teams and other professionals, you'll contribute to safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing by attending Children in Care reviews, risk assessment and stability meetings, as well as presenting assessments and recommendations to Fostering Panel.

Your work will be central to maintaining high standards of fostering practice while supporting carers to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people.

By joining our well-established, experienced and supportive Mockingbird team, you'll benefit from a collaborative culture that values continuous learning and celebrates success. Regular face-to-face team meetings, reflective supervision and strong peer support provide opportunities to connect with colleagues, share knowledge and continually develop your practice. We encourage restorative practice and relational ways of working, embedding this into daily practice.

With a flexible approach to working that combines homeworking and office-based practice, you'll enjoy a healthy work-life balance while remaining connected to your team.

• A suitable DBS check.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Confidence and fluency in spoken English.

Our innovative Mockingbird team (North/Mid) is expanding and we are looking for a full-time Supervising Social Worker (Liaison Worker) to help launch Devon's sixth Mockingbird Constellation!

This is an exciting time and a rare opportunity to join a well-established, experienced and supportive team that is transforming fostering across the country.

Playing a vital part in Devon County Council's Fostering service, our Mockingbird Children's Social Care Team uses the pioneering Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) to create sustainable foster care communities.

Through the Mockingbird model, Foster carers are connected via 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.

Mockingbird creates opportunities for children, young people and foster carers to build lifelong relationships, reduce isolation and develop natural support networks that help placements thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate and innovative team at an exciting time of growth. As we launch our sixth constellation, we're looking for someone who shares our belief that children thrive when they are surrounded by strong relationships, supportive communities and people who genuinely care.

If you're looking for a role where you can build lasting relationships, be part of something innovative and see the real difference your work makes every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Skills and Experience
A comprehensive list can be found in the Job Description

• A recognised Social Work qualification and SWE registration
• Completion of your ASYE
• Experience working in multi-agency and court settings
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A sound understanding of children's social work legislation and theory
• A genuine commitment to putting children at the heart of everything you do

For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact: Mockingbird Team Manager - George Maddocks george.maddocks@devon.gov.uk

Application Closing Date: 29 November 2026
This advert may close early if a high number of applications are received, therefore we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
This vacancy is not eligible for sponsorship or resettlement.

Internal Applicants: Please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to apply.

We offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:

• A generous Relocation Allowance subject to qualifying terms and conditions
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance and well-being services for the times you may need some support
• Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and flexible working options where possible
• A benefits platform that offers discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

• Devon County Council is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Personal data will be processed in line with our Applicant privacy notice.
• 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