At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide quality social work services to children and families, managing cases effectively.
- Company: Join the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust's Children's Community Services Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous learning and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with NISCC or eligible for registration, with 3 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 52809 £ per year.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is now recruiting for Senior Practitioners to join their Children's Community Services Team.
Band: 7
Reports to: Senior Social Worker
Responsible to: Director of Social Work, Children's Community Services
Job Summary
In this role you will primarily be responsible for the direct provision of quality social work services to children and families. You will be required to exercise enhanced responsibilities in relation to the case management process and/or involve the discharge of statutory duties in respect of children in need. These include:
- The ability to demonstrate enhanced levels of practice
- Competence/skills in areas such as direct practice with children and families
- Multi-agency working
- User and carer involvement
- Knowledge of organisation systems and process and the wider social policy context
You will also be expected to provide support and advice to other team members, and continue to attend to your professional development through training, supervision and learning.
Essential Criteria
- Current registration with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council on the social work part of the register OR have current registration with one of the Social Care Regulatory Bodies in England, Scotland or Wales and be eligible to register with NISCC. In these circumstances, applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview they will be in a position to register with NISCC should they be offered a post with the Trust by providing evidence of their current registration. Before taking up appointment, applicants must have secured registration with NISCC on the Social Work Part of the Register.
- A minimum of 3 years' post qualifying experience, gained in working with families and children, by end of July 2026.
- A current full driving licence valid in the UK and access to a car. This criterion will be waived in the case of an applicant whose disability prohibits driving, but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.
- Having achieved or giving a commitment to achieve an award in social work within the NI PQ Framework and linked to the service area, within three years of appointment to the post.
- Knowledge of legislation, policy, procedures and current issues in Family and Child Care.
- Evidence of experience of working with children and families gained in programmes of care other than the Family and Child Care programme may also be submitted.
Desirable Criteria
- Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
- The ability to work in partnership with staff within and outside the programme of care.
- Experience in the use of Microsoft Office products including at least one of the core packages i.e. Outlook (Email), Word, Excel, PowerPoint or MS Access.
- Effective planning & organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own workload.
- Effective communication skills to meet the needs of the post in full.
- Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality and safe services with an ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement including a capacity and commitment to contribute to the learning and development of staff, colleagues and students.
- Ability to work in a computer literate environment.
For more information and to apply, please visit: The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30th June 2026 at 4.30pm.
Be Proud. Be Part of It.
Senior Practitioner employer: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the communities they serve. As a Senior Practitioner in the Children's Community Services Team, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, collaborative multi-agency working, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Belfast. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality social work services while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Contact Details:
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Belfast Health and Social Care Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Belfast Health and Social Care Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
