At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practice and support staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Croydon Council, committed to community engagement and diversity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family assessments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Croydon Council’s Priorities
- 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
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.
Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in London employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on professional development, employees in the Family Assessment Service benefit from ongoing training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring they can effectively contribute to the well-being of children and families in the community. The council's commitment to flexible working arrangements and collaboration with diverse communities makes it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in London
✨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 Croydon Council.
✨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 Croydon Council!
✨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 Croydon Council, 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 Croydon Council 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 Practitioner - Family Assessment Service in London
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 Croydon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon Council! 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 Croydon Council
✨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.
