Job Description

Join Dorset Council in Transforming Foster Care - Become a Mockingbird Liaison Worker

Dorset Council is proud to be working in partnership with The Fostering Network to implement the innovative

Mockingbird Family Model

--a pioneering approach that creates an extended family network to enhance the stability of foster placements and strengthen relationships among foster carers, children and young people, fostering services, and birth families.



We're looking for a passionate and proactive

Liaison Worker

to play a key role in embedding and sustaining this model. In this vital new position, you'll work closely with a range of partners to build understanding and long-term commitment to the Mockingbird approach.



As the Liaison Worker, you will:


Lead on identifying and supporting foster carers to join the Mockingbird constellation. Help create a nurturing extended family environment for children and young people. Promote clear and effective communication about the constellation's work and benefits. Ensure strong collaboration between the fostering service, social work teams, and the Hub Carer.

In this role, you will benefit from:


A

reduced caseload

to focus on development and support. Opportunities to

project manage

and lead practice development. Flexible working, including some evenings and weekends. A chance to work closely with the

Principal Social Worker

,

Learning & Development

to grow our service and staff. A dynamic role that includes: + Mentoring Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE) + Supporting student social workers and acting as a Practice Educator
+ Leading monthly thematic audits
+ Delivering workshops and embedding Dorset's values and practice frameworks
+ Supporting reflective practice and learning from serious case reviews (SCRs)

What You'll Be Doing

You'll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, working closely with foster carers and children to ensure they receive the best possible care. You'll:


Promote learning and reflection within teams and localities. Support the delivery of the Mockingbird Family Model in partnership with The Fostering Network. Provide advice on complex cases and undertake specific pieces of work. Act as a key link between frontline teams and the Principal Social Worker.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:


A

qualified social worker

registered with Social Work England for 3+ years. Experienced in working with foster carers in a statutory setting. Skilled in leadership, mentoring, and reflective practice. Knowledgeable in child care legislation and statutory guidance. Familiar with or willing to train in

DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy)

and

NVR (Non-Violent Resistance)

. Willing to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends. In possession of a

clean, full UK driving licence

.

Ideally, you will also have:


Experience as a supervising social worker. Practice Educator qualifications or a willingness to undertake them.

If you're committed to improving outcomes for children in care and excited by the opportunity to shape a supportive fostering community, we'd love to hear from you.




This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.



This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.



See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.



See the children's social worker framework.



For any further information please do not hesitate to contact Cristina Matei, Team Manager, on 01305 208020 or via email: cristina.matei@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk