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- Tasks: Lead and support social work practice to ensure children's safety and well-being.
- Company: Croydon Council, committed to community and diversity.
- 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 Senior Social Worker with experience in Children's Safeguarding.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with flexible working arrangements and strong community focus.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 57402 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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 / 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 growing 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
- The provision of direct help by the worker
- The matching of child / family with evidence-based services relevant to the identified needs.
- The co-ordination of multi-professional / agency input to assessment, planning and help.
- The application of theory and theoretical frameworks to all aspects of practice.
- Supporting the development of creative and innovate care planning to support children and their families.
- Oversee 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 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:
- 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 - Children\'s Social Work with Families (Safeguarding) 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who are already in safeguarding roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in children's social care. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for safeguarding during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills! As a Senior Practitioner, you’ll be guiding others, so share examples of how you've supported colleagues or led projects in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children\'s Social Work with Families (Safeguarding)
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 your commitment to safeguarding and supporting families, so share your experiences that highlight this dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Senior Practitioner. Highlight your relevant experience in children's safeguarding and any leadership roles you've had, as this will show us you're the right fit for the team.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and structure your application well. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications and understand your thought process, especially when discussing your analytical skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
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. Being able to discuss these 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 that highlight your leadership skills and ability to support team members. Think about times when you've made a positive impact on children's safety and well-being, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Engagement is Key
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing how you've effectively engaged with children and families in your previous roles. This is crucial for the Senior Practitioner position, so be ready to share your strategies and successes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team's dynamics. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also keen to understand how you can contribute to the council's goals and the community.