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- Tasks: Lead complex cases and support social workers in a hybrid role.
- Company: Join a compassionate team serving diverse communities in Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 3 years of experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th May 2024 at midnight.
Hourly Rate: £42
Work Pattern: Hybrid
About us
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Our four values are central to our culture, driving everything we do. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Cambridgeshire and want our workforce to be reflective of this diversity, which we firmly believe benefits our colleagues, the organisation and our communities. If you don’t meet every single requirement in the job role but think this could be you, please don’t be put off. We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate and inclusive as well as diverse.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Practitioner to join us in the Children in Care Team based at Scott House in Huntingdon. The role is hybrid with a mix of office and home working. Our aim in Children in Care is to achieve permanence for children and young people who become Looked After and to ensure that they are in a home which meets their needs, reflects their right to safety and security, and encourage them to reach their full potential at every stage of their development. We encourage all Looked After children and young people to meet their full educational potential and to promote both their physical and mental health.
Key requirements
- Provide leadership in high complex cases which involve risk, complexity and safety of children, young people, carers and families.
- Provide written and verbal reports for a variety of settings, including court, that are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence.
- To lead, guide and direct Social Workers and Child Practitioners, supporting with their performance and development, including supervision.
- To support NQSWs in their ASYE and act as assessor; and to support Student Social Workers as their Onsite Supervisor or Practice Educator.
- Support in planning, allocation and review of cases.
- Support with the recruitment and induction of staff.
- To work closely with the Team Manager to complete case audits and participate in management tasks as delegated by the Team Manager.
Skills & experience
- Qualified Social Worker with a Social Work England registration.
- Have the ability to work from a variety of locations and travel countywide independently.
- 3 years post qualifying experience.
The closing date for completed applications is: 27th May 2024 (Midnight)
Senior Practitioner employer: Opus People Solutions
Contact Detail:
Opus People Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in care in Cambridgeshire. Understanding local issues and demonstrating your knowledge during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the Children in Care Team. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've supported junior staff in previous roles. Highlighting your mentoring experience will resonate well with the responsibilities of guiding NQSWs and Child Practitioners.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to handle complex cases by preparing examples of past experiences where you successfully navigated challenging situations. This will demonstrate your readiness for the high-stakes environment of a Senior Practitioner.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your post-qualifying experience, particularly in complex cases involving children and families. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to support others in a social work setting.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for working with children in care. Discuss your commitment to promoting their well-being and development, and how you embody the values of compassion and inclusivity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be expected to lead complex cases. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing high-stakes situations and how you supported your team members through challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Child Welfare
Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and practices related to children in care. Be ready to articulate how you would ensure the safety and well-being of looked-after children, as this will be a key focus of the role.
✨Prepare for Case Analysis Questions
Expect questions that require you to analyse complex evidence and provide concise reports. Practise summarising case studies or scenarios, highlighting your analytical skills and decision-making process.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Cambridgeshire values diversity in its workforce. Be sure to express your understanding of the importance of inclusivity in social work and how you have contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your previous roles.
