At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cases and support social workers in making a difference for children in care.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire County Council, committed to safeguarding and community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive wellbeing package, professional development time, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in Children in Care.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 € per year.
Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for the next step in your career? We're looking for a Senior Practitioner to join us in the Children in Care Service on a 12 month fixed term contract or secondment. 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 encourages 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.
Due to the fixed term nature of this role you will need to demonstrate immediate proficiency, assuming full responsibilities from the outset. Therefore previous experience as a Social Worker in a Children in Care team is essential. The role is based at Scott House in Huntingdon. If you are applying for the role as a secondment you must speak to your line manager BEFORE applying, to confirm that you can be released from your substantive post.
If this sounds like a role that suits your skill set, we would love to hear from you! For more information, call Nathalie on 01223 475920 or email joinus@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. Closing date 24th May.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
What will you be doing?
- 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.
About you
You will be an experienced Children in Care Social Worker able to make an immediate impact. You will be a confident and dynamic individual who enjoys making a difference in their local community, is curious and spots things that others might not see, enjoys building relationships and likes to explore possibilities.
You must:
- Be a qualified Social Worker with a Social Work England registration.
- Have the ability to work from a variety of locations and travel countywide and countrywide independently.
For a full list of the requirements of the role, please check out the Job Description & Person Specification.
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, so if you think you could be a good candidate for this role please consider applying and speak to the recruiting manager if you have any questions.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network 'IDEAL' and self‐organised peer support groups help us to foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, as well as when you join us, and we encourage candidates to contact the Hiring Manager, whose details can be found in the advert, to discuss any adjustment needs.
Through a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, we will offer an interview to all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy. On your application form you can indicate you are disabled. Some examples of reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process could include additional time to complete an assessment or printing a document on pastel coloured paper with larger font size and line spacing. We would value talking about what might be possible to enable you to join us and thrive, so if there is something that would help you to do your best during your journey with us, please get in touch.
Visit our jobs and careers section to find out more about our wide range of learning and development opportunities; apprenticeships; our wellbeing package; staff benefits; our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care employer: Cambridge County Council
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff. With a comprehensive benefits package, including a focus on continuous professional development and a commitment to diversity, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in care. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those looking to balance their professional and personal lives in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children in Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in Children in Care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current practices in Children in Care. Be ready to discuss how you can make an immediate impact, as they’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've guided others or handled complex cases. This will demonstrate that you're not just a good Social Worker, but a potential Senior Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Social Worker in a Children in Care team. We want to see how you've handled complex cases and made a difference in children's lives.
Be Concise and Clear:When writing your application, keep it concise and clear. Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences, especially when discussing your ability to provide written reports for various settings.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Practitioner role. Show us how your skills align with our mission to support children and young people.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Children in Care framework and relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in similar roles, especially those that demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases and provide leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll need to lead and guide others. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported colleagues or managed challenging situations. Highlight your mentoring experience with NQSWs or students, as this will show your capability to develop others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential case scenarios you might encounter and how you would approach them, focusing on child safety and wellbeing.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the organisation supports continuous professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
