At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and provide expert guidance to social work teams.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in innovative initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on 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 and 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, 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 practice.
Senior Practitioner in Shepherdswell employer: Connect2Kent
Kent County Council (KCC) is an outstanding employer for social work professionals, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in the picturesque region of Dover. With a strong commitment to employee development, KCC provides ample opportunities for career progression, mentoring, and training, ensuring that staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and excellence, making it an ideal place for passionate Social Workers to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Shepherdswell
✨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 Connect2Kent.
✨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 Connect2Kent!
✨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 Connect2Kent, 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 Connect2Kent 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 in Shepherdswell
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 Connect2Kent:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Kent! 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 Connect2Kent
✨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.
