At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and support social work teams in safeguarding children.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' for its exceptional social work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in innovative service initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dedicated team making a difference in children's lives in a beautiful region.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in managing complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Connect2Kent exclusively recruits on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), supporting them in hiring both Locum and Permanent Social Workers across the county. With an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding', KCC offers an exceptional environment for social work professionals looking to make a real impact. We are currently seeking qualified and passionate Social Workers to join the Dover and Deal Children's Social Work Team based in Dover. If you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready for a new challenge, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in one of the UK's most desirable regions.
Purpose of the Job:
- Manage a caseload of complex and difficult cases involving assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate action to ensure resources are utilised effectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and their families.
- Contribute to raising and maintaining standards of professional social work within a social work team, develop areas of specialist practice, offer expert advice to less experienced staff, supervise unqualified staff, and act as a Practice Assessor for students/ASYE.
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 practice.
Senior Practitioner in Kent employer: Connect2Kent
Connect2Kent is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on mentorship and support, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Working in Kings Hill offers the unique advantage of a vibrant community, making it an ideal location for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kent County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching KCC's values and recent initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in children's lives in Dover and Deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common social work interview questions. Think about your experiences managing complex cases and how you’ve contributed to team success. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social work shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in children's lives and how your values align with our mission at KCC.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your experience with complex cases and any mentoring or supervisory roles you've had. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and policies related to social work. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they impact practice will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive in your field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've managed complex cases or provided mentorship. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics and current projects. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the team's success.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would handle them, especially in high-pressure situations involving children and families.
