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- Tasks: Lead a team supporting young people in care, ensuring smooth transitions to independence.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a nine-day fortnight, and support for unpaid carers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a collaborative and compassionate environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and experience in mentoring and managing complex cases.
- Other info: Driving licence required; commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Secondment, fixed term, 12 month contract. Full Time, 37 hours per week. £46,574 to £56,027 per annum. Location: Basildon. Working Style: Community-based worker. Closing Date: 11th June 2025.
Essex County Council understands how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across children's Social Care. We have developed a nine-day working fortnight for full time frontline Social Workers within Children’s services. Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse.
The Leaving & After Care teams work with children and young people up to the age of 18 who are in care. They work with children and young people to ensure their experiences in care is a good one and that the work undertaken prepares them for their transition into independence or return home to family.
The Senior Practitioner manages a complex caseload and provides expert supervision and coaching for colleagues, to achieve positive change for children, young people and families. The role deputises for the Team Manager, leading the team and management of duty services. The role requires an experienced social work practitioner, able to manage higher levels of risk, mentor and advise staff, manage performance and deliver improvements. Building strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders is essential.
Skills, knowledge and Experience
- A recognised social work qualification i.e. Diploma, degree or masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
- Evidence of continuing professional development, aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
- Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
- Experience of mentoring both Social Work students and newly qualified and experienced Social Work staff, being a subject matter expert in professional social work practice.
- Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.
- Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives and offer a supportive framework for children, young people and families.
- In depth understanding of delivery of value for money interventions balanced against need.
- Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Practitioner – Leaving and After Care, South Essex employer: Essex County Counci
Contact Detail:
Essex County Counci Recruiting Team
resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner – Leaving and After Care, South Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and young people in care. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving their lives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Essex County Council, especially those in social work roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring and supervising other social workers. Highlight specific examples where your guidance led to positive outcomes, as this is a key aspect of the Senior Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest legislation and best practices in social work, particularly those related to leaving and after care. Being well-informed will show your dedication to professional development and your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner – Leaving and After Care, South Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly in leaving and after care. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your social work degree and any additional certifications, and showcase your mentoring experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner role. Discuss your approach to managing complex cases and how you have successfully built relationships with partners and stakeholders in previous roles.
Showcase Your Professional Development: Include evidence of your continuing professional development in your application. Mention any training or workshops you've attended that align with the skills and knowledge required for this position.
Highlight Your Decision-Making Skills: In your application, provide examples of clear decision-making in high-risk situations. This will demonstrate your ability to manage risks effectively and make sound judgments in the best interest of children and families.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your significant experience in social work, particularly in leaving and after care. Highlight specific cases where you made a positive impact on children and young people, demonstrating your understanding of relevant legislation and guidance.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Share examples of how you've successfully supervised or coached colleagues in the past, and how you approach decision-making in high-risk situations.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to develop strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with other agencies to achieve joint objectives and support families effectively.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner role, including managing a complex caseload and deputising for the Team Manager. Be ready to explain how your skills align with these requirements and how you can contribute to the team's success.
