At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape social work practice in a supportive mental health team.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, dedicated to improving lives and fostering talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for diverse backgrounds and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health support while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised Social Work Qualification and AMHP or BIA qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly and supportive Mental Health Social Care Teams for two Senior Practitioners to provide operational leadership in the Community Mental Health Service in Derby City. As a Senior Practitioner in Derby City’s forward‑thinking Social Work Mental Health Team, you will play a vital role in shaping Social Work practice. There is a strong culture of preventative, strengths‑based, asset‑based and tech‑enabled approaches within our work. We work closely with partner agencies to provide an integrated approach to the delivery of support.
You should have experience of working with adults with severe mental ill health and of multidisciplinary working within a statutory framework. This post is designed to improve working practices in relation to timely Mental Health Support with a recovery and preventive approach. You will be expected to provide high quality supervision to social workers and Enablement Workers, fostering their professional growth and championing strengths and assets‑based practice. You will play a role in developing best practice and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams in the health and social care sector. You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to improving outcomes for adults with mental health needs.
Working alongside the Service Manager, you will play a key role in shaping services and ensuring high standards of practice. This post is a designated Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) post. Therefore, you will need to hold an existing AMHP or BIA qualification. We welcome applications from experienced social care practitioners, and we are keen to support career development in a challenging yet rewarding mental health field. Applicants must already hold a recognised Social Work Qualification and be registered with Social Work England. You will be required to be a car driver with your own transport available. Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants under the Equalities Act 2010.
What We Offer: You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:
- Flexible work/life balance scheme
- Hybrid working
- Modern office environment
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
- Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
Next Steps: If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an application form, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website. The closing date for this vacancy is at midnight on 5th April 2026. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Important Information: As part of our safer recruitment checks the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the job. Before you complete your application form please read our guidance on filling in your application form. Remember to align your personal statement to the essential criteria in the Person Specification.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job.
Senior Social Work Practitioner in Leicester employer: East Midlands Jobs
Derby City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Senior Social Work Practitioners in the Community Mental Health Service. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant city. Join us in shaping social work practice and improving outcomes for adults with mental health needs in Derby.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Work Practitioner in Leicester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at East Midlands Jobs.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from East Midlands Jobs!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like East Midlands Jobs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at East Midlands Jobs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Work Practitioner in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to East Midlands Jobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to East Midlands Jobs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Jobs
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
