At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor newly qualified social workers while managing complex cases.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to child welfare in Luton.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, market supplement, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on equality and high standards of practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing future social work leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in child and family social work and strong mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 35745 - 38890 £ per year.
Role Overview
Contract: Temp to Perm
Pay: £40p/h
Salary: £35,745 - £38,890 Plus £3,500 market supplement
About the Role
- Support practice development of newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) through their assessed and supported year within the Social Work Academy.
- Promote the academy, career pathways, and Luton as an employer.
- Assist the Principal Social Worker in delivering training and ensuring excellence across Children Services.
- Provide reflective supervision to explore NQSW practice, including emotions, assumptions, power relations and the wider social context.
- Develop understanding of the knowledge base informing NQSW analysis and guide them with problem solving and decision making.
- Co-work complex cases and use advanced professional knowledge, skills, experience and initiative to support NQSWs in developing assessment skills to identify and analyse risks to children and develop safety and supportive plans.
- Co-work cases in crisis, directing the social workers and influencing decision making.
- Support NQSW assessment reviews at three, six and twelve months of their assessed year of employment.
- Assist NQSWs in gathering and analysing sensitive and confidential information on families, and recording it on LCS.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date records in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
- Manage a caseload of 13-17 cases.
Skills and Experience
- Substantial post-qualifying experience in child and family social work.
- Demonstrable coaching and mentoring experience, including practice teaching.
- High level of competence in child and family social work practice.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Understanding of equality issues and commitment to equality.
- Registered with the Social Work regulator.
- Knowledge of current legislation, national guidance, and best practice relevant to the post.
- Experience of quality assurance processes to ensure high standards of own work.
- Analytical and data interpretation skills.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are an equal opportunities employment agency and encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Senior Practitioner - LAC in Caddington employer: Connect2Luton
As a Senior Practitioner in the LAC Team, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises professional development and excellence in social work practice. With a commitment to nurturing newly qualified social workers through the Social Work Academy, our organisation offers robust training opportunities, reflective supervision, and a collaborative culture that values your expertise. Located in Luton, we provide a competitive salary package along with a market supplement, ensuring that you are rewarded for your vital contributions to children's services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - LAC in Caddington
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Connect2Luton, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - LAC in Caddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Connect2Luton. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Connect2Luton. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Connect2Luton.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Senior Practitioner - LAC role at Connect2Luton, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Connect2Luton that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
