At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a team in delivering high-quality care and interventions for those in need.
- Company: Cranstoun, a values-driven charity focused on improving lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and trauma-informed care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in substance use services and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Cranstoun, we are always in search of talented and experienced individuals to join our team. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Practitioner within the Derby Drug and Alcohol Service. You will play a key role within the team, supporting the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality service for people accessing support. Working alongside the Care, Quality and Governance Coordinator and operational leads, you will contribute to strong clinical governance, team development and positive outcomes for service users.
About the role
As a Senior Practitioner, you will provide support to a team of practitioners, ensuring that high standards of care, safeguarding and clinical practice are consistently delivered. You will promote a culture of reflection, learning and continuous improvement, supporting staff to deliver trauma-informed, person-centred interventions.
Key responsibilities
- Providing caseload and relational supervision to team members.
- Promoting a culture of enquiry, reflection and learning within the team.
- Ensuring compliance with Cranstoun policies, procedures and national clinical guidance.
- Supporting incident reporting, investigation processes and dissemination of learning.
- Contributing to audit processes and quality improvement activity.
- Supporting the writing and quality assurance of reports (e.g. safeguarding, coroner reports).
About you
We are looking for someone with experience in substance use services or a related health and social care setting, who is confident supporting others and improving practice. You will need to demonstrate:
- Experience of working with people who use drugs and alcohol, or other vulnerable groups.
- Experience of supervising or mentoring staff within a health or social care setting.
- Strong knowledge of harm reduction, safeguarding and clinical practice.
- Understanding of governance, risk management and quality assurance processes.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships.
- Strong IT skills and experience of using case management systems.
You will be values-driven, passionate about improving outcomes for service users, and confident in supporting others to develop and deliver excellent practice. You will lead by example, support practice where needed, and help embed a trauma-informed, person-centred approach across the teams.
The core service operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with a late night and additional flexible working where required. For further information, please contact Natasha Simpson, Mobilisation Lead on nsimpson@cranstoun.org.uk quoting job reference number: 1708. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure. All post holders may be required to work some evenings and unsociable hours to meet service needs. We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. Registered Charity No: 1061582
Senior Practitioner employer: Cranstoun
Cranstoun is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its team members. As a Senior Practitioner in the Derby Drug and Alcohol Service, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises professional development, continuous learning, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care. With flexible working hours and a focus on trauma-informed practices, Cranstoun empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of service users while promoting personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨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 Cranstoun.
✨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 Cranstoun!
✨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 Cranstoun, 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 Cranstoun 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
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 Cranstoun:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cranstoun! 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 Cranstoun
✨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.
