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- Tasks: Lead and manage effective services for children and families, ensuring their well-being.
- Company: Join Coventry City Council, a vibrant and inclusive organisation dedicated to social change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic rewards package and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with current registration and relevant experience.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and confident Senior Practitioner to join our busy fostering team. In this role, you will help lead the delivery of high-quality services for families, children, young people and foster carers. You will support the Team Manager by providing professional supervision to a Children & Family Worker, managing a complex caseload, and ensuring practice meets statutory standards and the Council values. The role includes completing assessments, supporting foster carers, developing and delivering training, chairing meetings, supporting and leading the team in the absence of the team manager, and guiding staff in their professional responsibilities. You will also be contributing to service development and working collaboratively with partner agencies. Flexibility is essential, as some work outside normal office hours is required to meet the needs of families. You will also be responsible for supporting team performance, maintaining accurate records, and continuing your own professional development in line with Social Work England standards.
Right to Work in the UK is required. We are not offering sponsorship for this role. This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment is conditional upon a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Responsibilities
- Provide professional supervision to a Children & Family Worker and support the Team Manager in leading the team.
- Manage a complex caseload and ensure practice meets statutory standards and council values.
- Complete assessments, support foster carers, and contribute to service development.
- Develop and deliver training, chair meetings, and guide staff in their professional responsibilities.
- Support team performance, maintain accurate records, and engage in continuous professional development per Social Work England standards.
- Participate in multi-agency collaboration and flexibility to meet family needs, including occasional out-of-hours work.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Senior Practitioner Social Worker with advanced assessment and risk-management skills.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice; ability to lead and supervise child & family workers, students and newly qualified staff.
- Excellent communication with families, foster carers and children; ability to chair complex meetings and coordinate multi-agency plans.
- Professional autonomy, sound judgement, and outstanding organisational skills to balance supervision with a demanding caseload.
- Commitment to continuous development and reflective practice.
- Right to work in the UK and eligibility to work without sponsorship.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities.
Additional Information
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: We offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups who meet the minimum requirements and identify with one of the following criteria: members of the Armed Forces and veterans; those currently in care or who have previously been in care; or those who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition. Disability Confident: An employer that may offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet minimum criteria. More details are available via the employer’s accessibility information and recruitment pages.
About Us
Coventry City Council is committed to excellence in social care. We value inclusion and strive to create a culture that represents our communities. Our values include Open and fair, Nurture and develop, Engage and empower, Create and innovate, Own and be accountable, Value and respect. We are a caring, diverse organisation with around 5100 staff. For more information, visit the council vacancies page.
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Senior Practitioner employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to children's services. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of a Senior Practitioner. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. Highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion, as this aligns perfectly with the values of Coventry City Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Values: We value diversity and inclusion, so don’t shy away from sharing your experiences that demonstrate these values. Talk about how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised or mentored colleagues in the past, highlighting your inclusive leadership style.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills under pressure. Think of specific cases where you had to make tough calls and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given the emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you promote these values in your work. Share experiences where you've fostered an inclusive environment or supported diverse communities.
