At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practice and support staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family assessments.
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:
- 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 employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and collaboration. With competitive salaries, generous welcome and retention payments, and the flexibility of hybrid working, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The council's commitment to continuous improvement and best practices ensures that staff have ample opportunities for growth and development in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner – Family Assessment Service
✨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 open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of national policies and legislation related to children's social care. We want you to shine as an expert practitioner, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the council's priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've developed staff or contributed to positive outcomes for children and families. We love to see candidates who can inspire and uplift their teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the amazing benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner – Family Assessment Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives, so share specific examples of your experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and knowledge of legislation and frameworks that are crucial for this position. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of national policies and legislation related to children's social care. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they impact practice 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. Highlight your assessment experience and any leadership roles you've taken on. This will help demonstrate your expertise and ability to support and develop others in the team.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Be ready to discuss models of reflective supervision and how they influence outcomes. Sharing your thoughts on how reflective practice has shaped your approach will show that you’re committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
✨Embrace the Hybrid Model
Since this role involves hybrid working, think about how you can effectively manage your time between office and remote work. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for maintaining communication and collaboration with your team while working flexibly.
