At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases for disabled young people, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, dedicated to social work excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Other info: Connect2Kent promotes equal opportunities and encourages diverse applications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of disabled children and young people while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 3 years of experience as a Qualified Social Worker.
Description: Connect2Kent recruit exclusively for Kent County Council. We recruit for a range of Social Work position's both Locum and Permanent. About you Professionally registered with a degree in social work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent - you will have a variety of post-qualification experience of working with children and families. Your experience should cover systemic practice, and you will need an in-depth understanding of legislative and policy frameworks. Along with a willingness to learn and develop as a practitioner, being a team player is essential in any social work team. You will build relationships with colleagues, as well as statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies. If you share this vision of excellent Social Work practice, we want to hear from you. Rewards In return for helping us achieve our aims, there is a strong commitment to supporting your professional development. As a qualified Social Worker we know that you want to make a difference and working at Kent County Council you will be given every support and opportunity to do so. We offer an attractive benefits package and a commitment to ensuring that you achieve a healthy work life balance with flexible working arrangements and an emphasis on health and well-being. Benefits A competitive starting salary, including an annual market premium payment of up to £5,000 subject to eligibility. A supportive team working environment with regular supervision. Access to a wide range of formal and informal CPD activities underpinned by a performance appraisal scheme and career progression pathway. An annual appraisal linking your learning and development needs. Generous annual leave allowance. Local Government pension scheme. Access to smarter working / flexible working. Relocation Package. You will also have a range of professional development opportunities including the exciting social care academy and routes for progression. What Kent County Council Offers: Up to £8,000 relocation support £3,000 retention bonus £2,000 annual car premium Flexible working arrangements Strong professional support, training, and career progression 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, to include student supervision, chairing complex meetings, assisted fieldwork, attendance in court, case audits and reviews etc, 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 a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
Senior Practitioner 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.
Contact Details:
Connect2Kent Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by disabled children and young people. Understanding the nuances of their situations will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles within Kent County Council. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest legislation and best practices related to social work and disability services. Being knowledgeable about current policies will show your commitment to the field and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex caseloads and working in multi-agency environments. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in case management and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Qualified Social Work Experience
Case Management
Assessment and Planning
Person-Centred Approach
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Child Protection Knowledge
Safeguarding Practices
Report Writing
Communication Skills
Supervisory Skills
Legislative Awareness
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Conflict Resolution
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Qualified Social Worker, particularly focusing on your work with disabled children and young people. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex caseloads and provide high-quality support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to the Senior Practitioner role. Emphasise your experience in multi-agency environments and your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of disabled children and young people.
Showcase Relevant Skills:In your application, highlight key skills such as case management, assessment, and supervision. Mention any experience you have in leading teams or initiatives, as well as your ability to maintain accurate records and report writing.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your three years of experience as a Qualified Social Worker. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've managed, particularly those involving disabled children and young people, to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner in the Younger People with Disabilities team. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a complex caseload and work within a multi-agency environment.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves providing consultative and supervisory services, be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues and contributed to a high-quality service.
✨Stay Updated on Legislation
Demonstrate your knowledge of current legislation and policies related to disabilities. Discuss how you keep informed about changes and how this knowledge can benefit the team and service users.
