At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team to provide excellent care for vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Advance, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, professional development, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive culture, and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
Location: Poole, Dorset
Hours: 37.5 contracted hours per week (Monday to Sunday – split between on shift and office hours and may include days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays and sleep-ins)
This is a 9-month fixed-term maternity cover position, with the possibility of extension subject to business needs.
Salary: £29,769.39 per annum (£15.23 p/h)
About the Role:
As a Senior Practitioner you will work alongside your Support Manager to provide an excellent support service for the customers in Poole, Dorset. You will support by leading, developing, monitoring, and evaluating support practice in line with Advance policies and procedures, best practice, contractual and regulatory standards. You will be passionate about ensuring the service delivered is person-centred and supports people to develop their confidence, skills and independence in their own home and in the local community.
The role of Senior Practitioner will include:
- Overseeing the support given by the support workers and providing practice leadership for the team.
- Supporting and observing support workers in their role and ensuring best practice.
- Coaching team members to deal with behaviours that challenge and encouraging a reflective culture.
- Working effectively across a range of teams, including peer group and Multi-Disciplinary, and Specialist Health Teams.
- Supporting the review and update of support plans and documents relating to customers.
- Working in partnership with the Operations Manager, Support Manager and Support Workers to develop and implement plans which promote people’s communication and support them with making choices and decisions.
- Taking an active role in the training, coaching and development of staff on all aspects of Mental Health and person-centred delivery.
- Being alert to and proactive in safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of customers, yourself and colleagues.
- Attending meetings where appropriate to discuss customers' progress and plan for future transitions.
About the candidate:
We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about improving the lives of local, vulnerable people. What matters to us is your ability and determination to support people with learning disabilities, and the values you can bring to Advance.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience of working with people with learning disabilities, Mental Health Support; however, training can be given to the right applicant.
If you think the role of Senior Practitioner sounds right for you, you will need these qualities:
- Flexible, reliable and proactive.
- Supportive of the customers’ goals to live the lifestyle of their choosing.
- Willing to learn new skills.
- Work with a person-centred approach.
- Good IT knowledge.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to complete good quality support records.
- Good at working on your own and within a team.
Although not essential, a driving licence and access to own vehicle are desirable for this role.
About the organisation:
Advance is a national, not-for-profit provider of housing and support services for people with disabilities and mental health conditions. Our vision is to transform lives; providing the best quality housing and support services so that people can live the lives they choose, achieve their personal goals, feel valued and know their voices are heard.
We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and we’re passionate about making Advance a great place to work. We invest in our staff, providing the training and support you need to succeed in your role, gain industry-recognised qualifications and realise your career aspirations.
We are an equal opportunities employer who values its staff and the difference they make to their customers. There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in Advance. We are firmly committed to recruiting the best colleagues regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation and to supporting customers from similarly diverse backgrounds.
Benefits of working for Advance:
- Paid holiday (from 25 days up to 30 days with long service in addition to bank holidays, pro rata for part time hours).
- Sector specific training is provided as part of induction plus opportunities for professional development.
- Access to Perks at Work where you can obtain great discounts on cinema tickets, shopping vouchers and much more.
- Long service awards payable in 5 year increments.
- Golden Hello/refer a friend receive up to £500.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service).
- Excellent opportunities to progress your career within Advance.
- Enrolment in a pension scheme with matched contributions above the statutory minimum (if you work enough hours to meet the threshold for enrolment).
Advance is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Care Quality Commission and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. You will be required to provide evidence of right to work. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this role, the cost of which will be covered by Advance.
Safeguarding:
At Advance, Safeguarding is embedded in our organisational culture — it’s reflected in our values, our behaviours, and the way we work together. We believe that creating a safe environment is not just about compliance, but about cultivating trust, openness, and accountability at every level.
We value diversity and therefore welcome applications from everyone interested in working at Advance. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Senior Practitioner in Poole employer: Advance Housing and Support Ltd
Advance Housing and Support Ltd is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Southend-on-Sea. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer flexible working hours and comprehensive career development opportunities, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support.
Contact Details:
Advance Housing and Support Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Poole
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Advance Housing and Support Ltd, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Advance Housing and Support Ltd. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Advance Housing and Support Ltd. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Housing and Support Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Advance Housing and Support Ltd.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Senior Practitioner role at Advance Housing and Support Ltd, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Advance Housing and Support Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
