At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support social work practice to ensure children's safety and well-being.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, committed to strong community partnerships and inclusive services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Senior Social Worker with experience in children's safeguarding.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 48200 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 15 £55,323‐£57,402
Employment: Permanent & Fixed Term (12 m) – 36 hours per week
Welcome Payment: £5,000 | Retention Payment: £2,500
Hybrid working: 3 office days / 2 days working from home
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 grow the confidence in their practice. The Senior Practitioner would have a developed ability to deliver on outcomes and functions as a role model for their team through the effective exercise of the following functions.
- Engagement and relationship building / maintaining
- Analytical and continuous assessment
- High standard of report writing and case recording
- Making professional judgments and recommendations based on assessment and review
- Development, co‐ordination, implementation, and review of evidence‐based plans
- Provision of direct help by the worker
- Matching of child / family with evidence‐based services relevant to the identified needs
- Co‐ordination of multi‐professional / agency input to assessment, planning and help
- Application of theory and theoretical frameworks to all aspects of practice
- Supporting the development of creative and innovative care planning to support children and their families
- Overseeing the planning for children where necessary
- Delivering to performance standards consistently across the measures within the journey of the child
Essential Requirements
- Qualified and experienced Senior Social Worker and up to date registered with Social Work England
- Experience of working in Children's Safeguarding
- 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 engagement with children and families, inform 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 are to deliver good sustainable services and build strong partnerships with diverse communities.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will consider applicants seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Senior Practitioner - Children\'s Social Work with Families (Safeguarding) in London employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children\'s Social Work with Families (Safeguarding) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to safeguarding and children’s social work. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, case studies, or reports that highlight your skills in safeguarding and working with families. This will help us see your practical experience in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children\'s Social Work with Families (Safeguarding) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's social work shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and social work. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role of Senior Practitioner.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's safeguarding policies and relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with the latest national strategies and developments in children's social care, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to engage with families and build relationships. Highlight instances where you've made professional judgments or implemented evidence-based plans, as these are key aspects of the Senior Practitioner role.
✨Practice Reflective Supervision
Be ready to discuss how you apply reflective supervision in your practice. Think about how you've used feedback to improve outcomes for children and families, and be prepared to share your thoughts on how this approach can enhance team performance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's dynamics and the challenges they face in safeguarding. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and working style.
