At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in their transition to independent living and manage complex cases.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council's dedicated Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for home or hybrid working available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of care-experienced young people.
- Qualifications: Must have a social work qualification and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 € per year.
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be pro-rated accordingly. Hourly rate of pay: £26.09 - £29.14. Candidates will be assessed on the basis of appropriate relevant experience and qualifications and salary placed within the advertised scale.
Post 1 - Permanent Post, 17.5 Hours per Week
- Days and Hours of Work: Working 2.5 days per week between Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00
- Days of working are negotiable, starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable.
Post 2 - Temporary for 12 months, 35 Hours per Week
- Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00
- Days of working are negotiable, starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable.
You will be asked to indicate which post(s) you would like to be considered for when you complete the application form. To start asap.
One Full-Time Senior Practitioner (35 hours) on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract and one Part-Time Senior Practitioner (17.5 hours) on a permanent contract to join our TAC Team. The TAC Team supports looked after and previously looked after young people as they transition towards independent living across East Lothian. We provide a specialist, needs-led service to young people with complex and multiple needs, including:
- Mental health difficulties
- Offending behaviour
- Social isolation
- Limited life opportunities
Many of the young people we support have experienced significant trauma and loss and continue to face challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, and poverty. We are seeking a Senior Practitioner with extensive and recent post-qualifying experience delivering social work services to care-experienced young people.
The post is pivotal in:
- Case managing Looked After Children and Continuing Care.
- Supporting young people to move into positive destinations, their own homes and supported accommodation.
- Facilitating young people’s return to their home communities, where appropriate.
- Providing supervision to Family Support Workers.
Regular supervision and professional support will be provided.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience of working within Child Protection Guidelines.
- A sound working knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and practice in children and families social work.
- A strong values-based, child-centred approach.
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
- A comprehensive understanding of the children and families social work role.
The TAC Team also works with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC). Relevant experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
East Lothian Children’s Services is committed to delivering The Promise and to providing a supportive, inclusive, and child-centred working environment where staff are valued and supported to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details
To provide an advanced level of practice that ensures appropriate services are provided to meet client needs within the department’s statutory obligations and departmental policies and procedures. Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements
Education/Qualifications
Essential: Approved qualification in Social Work, and SSSC registration. Those with international Social Work qualifications should not apply unless they are fully registered with the SSSC.
Desirable: Post qualifying award Driving Licence. Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle. Where a disability precludes you from obtaining a driving licence, ELC will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability.
PVG Membership
This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council. Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo. If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team. If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk. Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Senior Practitioner Social Worker (Children's Services) - 2 Positions Available (PERMANENT & TEMPORARY, PART TIME & FULL TIME) - EAL12580 in Haddington employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the young people they serve. With flexible working arrangements, including home and hybrid options, employees are empowered to balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to meaningful outcomes for care-experienced youth. The council is committed to professional development, ensuring that staff receive regular supervision and opportunities for growth within a values-driven culture focused on delivering the best for children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner Social Worker (Children's Services) - 2 Positions Available (PERMANENT & TEMPORARY, PART TIME & FULL TIME) - EAL12580 in Haddington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the TAC Team and their mission! Research their values and the specific challenges they tackle. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around child protection and supporting young people. Practise your responses to demonstrate your expertise and passion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to the important work they do.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner Social Worker (Children's Services) - 2 Positions Available (PERMANENT & TEMPORARY, PART TIME & FULL TIME) - EAL12580 in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Senior Practitioner Social Worker and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, be specific about your past roles and responsibilities. We want to see how your experience aligns with the needs of our TAC Team, especially in supporting looked after young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate excellent communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the relevant legislation and policies related to children's services. Brush up on Child Protection Guidelines and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of looked after children.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage cases effectively and support young people through transitions. Highlight any experience with complex needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Values
The role requires a strong values-based, child-centred approach. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the 'East Lothian Way' and how you can contribute to a supportive environment for young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the TAC Team's approach and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
