Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families facing serious youth violence and exploitation.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a diverse and inclusive employer dedicated to children's welfare.
- 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 team environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and contextual harm.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; commitment to anti-racist practices.
This is a specialist role focused on preventing and protecting children and young people from exploitation and serious youth violence. We have created a new role to work alongside Social Workers in the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub & Families Solution Service (Early Help). The successful candidate will be responsible within those services for the initial and review exploitation and serious youth violence screening of children who are presenting with needs/risks relating to extra-familial harm.
The Consultant Practitioner would also be responsible for supporting practice development via leadership of elements of casework, individual and group coaching, reflective supervision, quality assurance and workshops in the specific area of expertise. The post holder would be required to directly support the delivery, and contribute to the delivery of, positive safety and well-being outcomes for children in need and their families, where extra familial harm is a key concern. Driving continuous development of Systemic Practice in social work alongside other theoretical frameworks and practice methodologies.
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- Substantial experience in statutory social work practice with evidenced expertise in the area of extra familial harm / contextual safeguarding including Serious Youth Violence.
- Foundation level systemic practice qualification (desirable)
- Practice Educator or Practice Teacher qualification (desirable)
- Advanced training in evidenced based approaches to assessment & intervention relating to extra familial harm.
- Experience of delivering evidenced based interventions with children and families improving outcomes related to extra familial harm.
- Building effective trusting relationships with children, families, and other professionals.
- Ability to assess the needs of children, adults, and families holistically and analytically, in high risk and high complexity cases, applying the Assessment Framework and other relevant frameworks and tools.
- To make sound professional judgments (in cases of high risk / complexity).
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 Consultant Practitioner role profile click here
Closing date: 1 June
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.
Consultant Practitioner - Young Croydon - Children Services employer: London Borough of Croydon
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Croydon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Practitioner - Young Croydon - Children Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges related to extra-familial harm and serious youth violence. Understanding the local context in Croydon and the unique needs of its children and families will help you demonstrate your commitment and insight during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Croydon Council, especially those in Children Services. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with systemic practice and how it relates to the role. Highlight any specific cases where you've successfully implemented evidence-based interventions, as this will showcase your practical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your approach to building trusting relationships with children and families. Share examples that illustrate your ability to assess complex needs and make sound professional judgments in high-risk situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant Practitioner - Young Croydon - Children Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Consultant Practitioner position. Understand the key responsibilities and essential requirements, especially regarding extra-familial harm and serious youth violence.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in statutory social work practice, particularly in areas related to contextual safeguarding and serious youth violence. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for working with children and families. Mention your understanding of systemic practice and how you can contribute to the team at Croydon Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list any relevant qualifications, such as your Social Work England registration, systemic practice qualifications, and any advanced training in evidence-based approaches. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Croydon
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Extra-Familial Harm
Be prepared to discuss your experience and knowledge in the area of extra-familial harm and contextual safeguarding. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully intervened or supported children and families, demonstrating your understanding of serious youth violence.
✨Emphasise Your Systemic Practice Knowledge
Since the role involves systemic practice, make sure to articulate your understanding of this approach. If you have a foundation level qualification, mention it, and be ready to explain how you've applied systemic principles in your previous work.
✨Demonstrate Your Relationship-Building Skills
Building effective relationships is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've established trust with children, families, and professionals. Discuss your communication strategies and how they have led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to make sound professional judgments in high-risk situations. Think through your decision-making process in past cases and be ready to explain your rationale and the frameworks you used.
