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- Tasks: Lead practice and support staff in delivering positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a diverse employer committed to excellent social work services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with relevant experience and knowledge of children's social care.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; applications from all backgrounds encouraged.
Senior Practitioner – Family Assessment Service – Children – Croydon Council
Salary: Grade 15 (£53,607 – £55,620)
Permanent – 36 hours per week
Welcome Payment – £10,000
Retention Payment – £2,500
Hybrid working
Job Purpose
The Senior Practitioner role reports to the Team Manager providing leadership of practice through exemplary direct work; development of staff and specialist focused on a given area of practice.
They are an expert practitioner who directly delivers or contributes to the delivery of positive safety and well-being outcomes for children. They will support other staff within the team to develop their level of practice and expertise and growing the confidence in their practice.
The Senior Practitioner would have a developed ability to deliver on outcomes and functions as a role model for their team through the effective exercise of the following functions:
Engagement and relationship building / maintaining.
Case holding
Analytical and continuous assessment
High standard of report writing and case recording
Making professional judgments and recommendations based on assessment and review
Development, co-ordination, implementation, and review of evidence-based plans
The provision of direct help supports to children and their families
The matching of child / family with evidence-based services relevant to the identified needs.
The co-ordination of multi-professional / agency input to assessment, planning and help.
The application of theory and theoretical frameworks to all aspects of practice.
Supporting the development of creative and innovate assessments and planning to support children and their families.
Delivering to performance standards consistently across the measures within the journey of the child.
Essential Requirements
We are looking for experienced Senior Practitioners, who also have:
Qualified Social Worker and up to date registered with Social Work England
Foundation level systemic practice qualification – desirable
Practice Educator or Practice Teacher qualification – desirable
Knowledge of national policy, strategy and developments regarding children’s social care, and areas that impact on children’s social care.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, standards and procedures.
Knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks, practice models and research findings.
Knowledge of models of reflective supervision that impact on practice and outcomes.
Able to maintain records that evidence our engagement with children and families, informs the quality assurance framework e.g., quantitative, qualitative and outcome information for the children and families, the views and experiences of children and families
Why Join Us
In Croydon, our Children’s Services has an established Systemic Practice model, experienced leaders, and high support for practitioners. Croydon people and staff are diverse, and we celebrate difference through focus on anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. We are committed to delivering excellent social work practice and services to our children and families. As well as this we also offer the following:
Our teams consist of experienced Social Workers at various levels
Join a highly diverse workforce
Reflective supervision is actively promoted and supported.
The ethos at Croydon is very much about working together to make positive change
Caseloads of Social Workers are very manageable enabling managers to know children well & ensure high standards of practice
You will join an established team who can help you settle in and offer their expertise
Benefits
You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:
Highly competitive compensation package
Accredited Systemic Practice training
A range of CPD opportunities
29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
Management development programmes
Investment into your wellbeing
Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)
We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance
To view the Senior Practitioner role profile click here
Closing date: Sunday 29 December
Disclaimer
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children
Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service - Children employer: London Borough of Croydon
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Croydon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service - Children
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the systemic practice model that Croydon Council uses. Understanding this framework will not only help you align your experience with their approach but also demonstrate your commitment to their values during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in multi-agency collaboration. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully coordinated with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've mentored or supported less experienced colleagues in your previous roles. This will illustrate your capability to fulfill the role of a Senior Practitioner effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance. Being able to articulate how these impact your practice will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service - Children
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Senior Practitioner, focusing on your leadership skills, case management, and any relevant qualifications. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for children's social care and your commitment to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices. Mention how your background aligns with the values of Croydon Council and how you can contribute to their established Systemic Practice model.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your Social Work registration and any additional certifications like the Foundation level systemic practice qualification. Emphasize your knowledge of national policies and legislation relevant to children's social care.
Showcase Your Experience: Provide detailed examples of your previous work in children's services, particularly your experience in case holding, analytical assessment, and report writing. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken in your practice that align with the role's requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Croydon
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Senior Practitioner, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in children's social care. Be prepared to discuss relevant legislation, theoretical frameworks, and your experience with evidence-based practices that have positively impacted children and families.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since this role involves providing leadership and support to other staff, share specific examples of how you've mentored or developed colleagues in the past. Discuss your approach to reflective supervision and how it has enhanced team performance.
✨Emphasize Relationship Building
Engagement and relationship building are key components of this role. Prepare to talk about your strategies for building trust with children and families, as well as how you coordinate multi-professional input to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Practice articulating your thought process when making professional judgments and recommendations based on assessments and reviews.
