At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and provide expert guidance to a team of social workers.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children In Care and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and involvement in innovative service initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Connect2Kent recruit exclusively for Kent County Council. We recruit for a range of Social Work positions both Locum and Permanent. Kent County Council are Ofsted rated as 'Outstanding'. We are currently recruiting for a Senior Social Worker to join the Children In Care Team covering Dartford, Swanley and surrounding areas. Previous experience is required working in Children In Care.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of complex cases involving high levels of risk and needs to a high standard to ensure resources are utilised effectively.
- Provide a high quality resource of professional social work knowledge and expertise to a team of Social Workers, including student supervision, chairing complex meetings, assisted fieldwork, attendance in court, case audits and reviews, to assist the team in ensuring that it carries out its core tasks to a high standard.
- Provide coaching and mentoring support to Social Workers, including those undertaking social work training, to support and further their professional knowledge and development to impact upon the overall quality of practice within teams.
- Attend court, where appropriate, to assist the team in ensuring that key professional input and expertise is provided to high profile and sensitive cases.
- Act as Practice Assessor to support student placements/ASYE.
- Liaise regularly with colleagues throughout the Council to ensure social work staff deliver existing and new practices consistently and to a high standard.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives through attendance or leadership on working groups, multi-agency forums, training courses, etc., and acting as lead for identified service initiatives, i.e. planning for permanence and research work, to develop current and new ways of working that meet service requirements.
- Maintain awareness of changes in legislation and related policies and practices and ensure all social work staff are also informed of these changes to enable consistent and timely implementation.
Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Senior Practitioner in Dartford employer: Connect2Kent
Contact Detail:
Connect2Kent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Kent County Council. 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 legislation and practices in social work. We want you to shine when discussing how you can contribute to the Children In Care Team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring and coaching skills during interviews. Highlight any past experiences where you've supported colleagues or students, as this is key for a Senior Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team at Connect2Kent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your experience in managing complex cases and any relevant achievements that showcase your expertise in social work.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Mention specific examples of how you've provided coaching, mentoring, or led initiatives in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see how you fit into the role and the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work practices, especially those related to Children In Care. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and policies, as well as any recent changes in the field. This will show that you're not just experienced but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've managed complex cases or provided mentorship to junior staff. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration. Talk about how you’ve successfully worked with multi-agency teams in the past and how you plan to contribute to the team at Kent County Council. This will highlight your ability to fit into their culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current initiatives, challenges they face in the Children In Care Team, or how they measure success in the role. It shows that you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.