Mockingbird Supervising Social Worker - Fostering (North & Mid)

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.

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 practiceand 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.

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.

A comprehensive list can be found in the Job Description

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.

Working in Children's Social Care at Devon County Council

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