At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and mentor social workers to improve outcomes for children.
- Company: Tameside Council, a supportive and forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Earn £40 per hour with hybrid working options and a stable service.
- Other info: Immediate start available; interviews happening now!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Child Protection and mentoring.
Tameside Council is seeking an experienced and ambitious Senior Practitioner to join its Children's Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished social worker looking to combine high-quality casework with leadership, mentoring and practice development within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority. If you are passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families while supporting the development of less experienced practitioners, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
- Hold and manage a complex caseload involving children and families
- Support and mentor Social Workers within the team
- Provide guidance on safeguarding, assessment and care planning
- Lead on complex child protection and court proceedings where required
- Support the Team Manager in driving excellent social work practice
- Deliver high-quality assessments, reports and interventions
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children
- Ensure all work is completed in line with statutory legislation and timescales
What We're Looking For
- Qualified Social Worker (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)
- Registered with Social Work England
- Significant post-qualified experience within Children's Services
- Experience managing complex Child Protection, CIN and Court cases
- Excellent assessment, report writing and analytical skills
- Experience supporting and developing colleagues or newly qualified social workers
- Strong knowledge of current legislation, safeguarding procedures and best practice
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
Why Join Tameside?
- Attractive rate of £40 per hour
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Supportive management team
- Established and stable service
- Opportunity to influence practice and support staff development
- Varied and rewarding caseload
- Immediate start available
Interested? Whether you're currently working within Child Protection, Safeguarding, Assessment, CIN, Court, Locality or Looked After Children, this is a fantastic opportunity to secure your next agency contract. Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion about the role. Interviews are taking place immediately, and strong candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Senior Practitioner - Tameside - Child Protection Team - £40ph employer: Caritas Recruitment
Tameside Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive and forward-thinking environment where you can thrive in your career. With a competitive rate of £40 per hour, hybrid working options, and a commitment to staff development, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable children and families while mentoring less experienced practitioners. Join a stable service that values your expertise and encourages you to influence practice positively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Tameside - Child Protection Team - £40ph
✨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 Caritas Recruitment.
✨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 Caritas Recruitment!
✨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 Caritas Recruitment, 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 Caritas Recruitment 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 - Tameside - Child Protection Team - £40ph
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 Caritas Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Caritas Recruitment! 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 Caritas Recruitment
✨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.
