Training Development Officer

Job Description

Job Category: Social Care – Qualified
Location: City Hall, Cardiff Council
Hours Per Week: 21.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £18.81

Purpose:
In conjunction with the Training Manager, contribute to employee development in accordance with the principles of the Social Care Wales Workforce Development Programme, that seeks to promote competent and qualified workers in Social Care.
To support the delivery of quality student social worker practice based learning opportunities to meet Local Authority hosting requirements. Support Assessors for social work students and social workers undertaking post qualifying awards as the need arises.
Oversee access to Continuing Professional Education and Learning (CPEL) programmes for social work employees, working closely with candidates and team managers to support engagement. Plan, commission and support independent practice based assessment in line with the Council’s procurement rules.
Work in a team to contribute to the production of the annual training plan ensuring it meets the needs of all relevant parties in an organisation, such as individuals, line managers, senior managers, and Social Care Wales.
Keep up to date with training development needs to ensure excellent practice is delivered throughout the directorate.
Prepare reports, attending and chairing meetings and contribute to Welsh Government/Social Care Wales reports and returns as required.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programmes of study and student / candidate assessment arrangements.
Work closely with Partner HEI programmes to support the management and delivery of social work qualifying and post qualifying programmes.
Work closely with Team Managers / mentors to support the implementation of the Local Authority’s model of support for Social Workers within the first three years of practice.
Monitor the placements for students both internally and externally and intervene as required, to ensure that quality SW placements are offered.
The postholder must have a social work qualification.

Competencies (as per Behavioural Competency Framework):
Essential:
• Putting Our Customers First – Level  4
• Getting Things Done – Level 4
• Taking Personal Responsibility – Level 4
• Seeking to understand others and treating them with respect – Level 4

Education & Training:
Essential:
• Social Work Qualification
• Registered with Social Care Wales
• Practice Assessing qualification e.g. PQ 6; Enabling Practice award.

Desirable:
• A relevant qualification in learning and development e.g. EAT (Education & Training) PTTLS (Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector, PGCE / Certificate of Education Post Compulsory Education & Training

Experience / Knowledge:
Essential:
• A proven track record of working positively with a range of partner organisations to achieve measurable and sustained success.
• Experience of developing and presenting reports to a range of different audiences (internal & external) in a range of different formats.
• Demonstrated post qualifying experience working as a social worker within a statutory social care setting
• Experience of working as a Practice Assessor to a number of student social workers
• Understanding of Social Care Wales Rules and Requirements for Social Work Education in Wales, the Assessment Framework for the Social Work Degree in Wales & National Occupational Standards for Social Work
• Experience of assessing and mentoring social workers undertaking post qualification programmes
• Understanding of Social Care Wales Qualification framework for social care and regulated childcare in Wales
• Understanding of Social Care Wales Code of Professional Practice for Social Care & Practice Guidance for Social Workers
• A detailed understanding of Welsh Government legislation, guidance and policy relating to social work and social care
• Experience of design, development, facilitation and evaluation of learning events.

Desirable:
• Experience of working in a Social Services Directorate at a management level
• Experience of undertaking Social Care Research Experience of budget management and financial planning processes.
• Experience of commissioning external assessors and monitoring performance.

Skills and Abilities:
Essential:
• Ability to demonstrate effective leadership skills to develop effective teams.
• Ability to effectively manage change and continuous improvement.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences.
• Competent IT User.
• Good understanding and knowledge of public sector policy and performance frameworks relating to services for children and adults in need of care and support.
• Ability to successfully engage and collaborate with a range of internal and external agencies and stakeholders, including staff, elected members, Trade Unions, external partner bodies, service users, carers and community groups.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the Social Services and Well-being Act

Desirable:
• Ability to appropriately manage change through the use of project management methodology.

Personal Attributes:
Essential:
• Commitment to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• Commitment to staff care and ensuring the Health & Safety of self and others.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and adults in need of care and support.

Special Circumstances:
Essential:
• Must be able to work outside normal office hours as the need arises.
• Ability to work in an agile way from different locations as the need arises, including occasional home working.

Desirable:
• Full valid driving licence and use of a car.