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- Tasks: Support young people in care, helping them transition to independence and develop essential life skills.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community and youth development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a £2,500 retention payment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in multi-agency collaboration and youth support.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 57402 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 15 (£55,323-£57,402)
Permanent – 36 hours per week
Retention Payment – £2,500
Hybrid working (3 days per week in the office, 2 days at home)
Job Purpose
We are looking to recruit a social work qualified senior practitioner into our recently transformed 16+ service. The service supports Children in Care who are aged 16‑17 and Care Experienced adults aged 18‑25. This is an exciting time to join Croydon as we have recently reconfigured the service to create smaller teams with additional management support. We are also working with our multi‑agency partners to create dedicated specialist support for our young people, including from Health, Adult Services, Housing and Education.
We are looking for social workers who have experience of working with young people who are in Care and Care Experienced. The role will include practice development and supporting newly qualified social workers within the service.
Essential Requirements
- Significant post‑qualifying experience of multi‑agency working, risk management, care and permanence planning, ability to analyse complex circumstances and formulate appropriate intervention plans.
- Experience of delivering high quality direct and life story work within a systemic practice framework to increase outcomes and care planning for our young people, to enable them to move into independence with better outcomes.
- Creative and highly motivated experienced social workers who consistently ensure that young people are central to their intervention.
- Experience of working with children in care and supporting them to progress effectively to adulthood with appropriate skills for independence.
- Ability to create and maintain relationships whilst applying appropriate challenge to advocate for young people.
- Experience of supporting less experienced social workers is desirable, for instance qualified practice educators.
- Qualification in or experience of working within a systemic practice framework including use or facilitating group supervision to achieve high quality outcomes.
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 – Young People Service 16+ employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner – Young People Service 16+
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with young people services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with young people in care. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting young people! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as a creative and motivated candidate.
✨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 – Young People Service 16+
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with young people in care. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your multi-agency working and risk management experience. We’re looking for someone who can analyse complex situations, so give us the goods on how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Be Creative and Motivated: We love seeing creativity in applications! Share any innovative approaches you've used to support young people transitioning to independence. Let your passion for making a difference shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Croydon Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the service. Familiarise yourself with Croydon Council’s priorities and how they align with your experience in supporting young people in care. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your multi-agency collaboration and risk management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully supported young people transitioning to independence and how you’ve advocated for their needs. Real-life stories resonate well!
✨Practice Development Focus
Since the role involves supporting newly qualified social workers, think about how you can demonstrate your mentoring abilities. Share experiences where you’ve guided others or facilitated group supervision, showcasing your leadership and commitment to practice development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and the new service structure. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can fit into and contribute to the team effectively. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if this is the right environment for you!
