At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practice and support staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, committed to community and sustainable services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family assessments.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with flexible working arrangements and strong community values.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 57402 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 15 (£55,323-£57,402); Permanent - 36 hours per week; Welcome Payment - £5,000; Retention Payment - £2,500; Hybrid working (3 office days per week)
Job Purpose
The Senior Practitioner role reports to the Team Manager providing leadership of practice through exemplary direct work; development of staff and specialist focused on a given area of practice. They are an expert practitioner who directly delivers or contributes to the delivery of positive safety and well-being outcomes for children. They will support other staff within the team to develop their level of practice and expertise and growing the confidence in their practice.
About You
- Qualified Social Worker and up to date registered with Social Work England.
- Experience in working with children and families; assessment experience would be an advantage.
- Foundation level systemic practice qualification - desirable.
- Practice Educator or Practice Teacher qualification - desirable.
- Knowledge of national policy, strategy and developments regarding children's social care, and areas that impact on children's social care.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, standards and procedures.
- Knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks, practice models and research findings.
- Knowledge of models of reflective supervision that impact on practice and outcomes.
- Able to maintain records that evidence our engagement with children and families, informs the quality assurance framework e.g., quantitative, qualitative and outcome information for the children and families, the views and experiences of children and families.
About Us
Croydon Council's priorities include:
- The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services.
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable.
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses.
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice.
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities.
Key business plan outcomes:
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home.
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
Croydon Council's new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in Croydon employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working at Croydon Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of current policies and legislation affecting children's social care. Show us that you're not just a qualified Social Worker, but also someone who's passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Senior Practitioner role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Practitioner role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your qualifications and experience in working with children and families. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in your previous roles, so give us some solid examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of national policy, legislation, and the latest developments in children's social care. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children and families that highlight your assessment skills and leadership abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Demonstrate Reflective Practice
Be ready to talk about how you use reflective supervision in your practice. Discuss any models or frameworks you’ve applied and how they’ve improved outcomes for children and families. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
Familiarise yourself with Croydon Council's priorities and values. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to their goals, especially around community engagement and collaboration. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their team.