At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in providing care for children and young people.
- Company: Achieving for Children, dedicated to creating positive environments for youth.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive employee support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and experience in team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Senior Practitioner will provide day-to-day care of children and young people within an environment that promotes positive attachments and relationships. They will lead and supervise the staff on shift to ensure that they carry out their duties and behave appropriately at all times. They will support children and young people in maximizing their potential in a safe, caring and nurturing home. They will also support the management team in all aspects of a child‑centred service.
About you
- Educated to a degree level with a relevant professional qualification in social work.
- Level 3 Health and Social Care.
- Experience in leading a team, undertaking line management and performance management.
- Knowledge of relevant theory that informs practice delivery.
- Experience of building strong partnerships, maintaining relationships and co‑producing solutions to challenges across a diverse set of stakeholders, including children, young people and their families.
- Advocating the voices of those we are working with.
- Experience of keeping and maintaining records (in accordance with local policy) and producing accurate reports, written updates to a range of stakeholders (which may include families, children or young people).
- Knowledge of statutory legislation (for example Children’s Act) and national policy drivers.
About our benefits
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (or for term‑time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non‑working periods in your contract).
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options – helping to keep a good work‑life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Important Information
- Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
- Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points‑based immigration system affecting EU and Non‑EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
- Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
- Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Senior Practitioner - Children's Homes in Maidenhead employer: Achieving for Children Community Interest Company
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and the children they care for. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from tailored induction sessions, flexible working options, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, all while enjoying generous annual leave and a competitive salary. The organisation's commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully to the lives of children and young people in a rewarding and impactful way.
Contact Detail:
Achieving for Children Community Interest Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children's Homes in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around supporting children and young people. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences in leading teams and advocating for children’s voices, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to a positive environment for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children's Homes in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and managing performance. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a child-centred service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving for Children Community Interest Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant theories and legislation, like the Children’s Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve managed performance or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability to supervise staff effectively.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, try to connect with your interviewers. Share personal anecdotes that relate to building strong partnerships with children, young people, and families. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and commitment to advocacy.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in a children's home. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges and your approach to co-producing solutions with stakeholders, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.