At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team to secure positive outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Dynamic council focused on innovative, evidence-based social work practices.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development support, and employee wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence service development and collaborate with external partners.
- Why this job: Shape care planning and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Social work degree, experience in child protection, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you lead and mentor the Children in Care team, applying relationship-based social work to secure positive outcomes for children in care.
You will manage complex cases, support colleagues, and deputise for the Team Manager, while fostering collaboration with external partners.
You’ll drive professional development and contribute to service development, with an emphasis on innovative, evidence-based practices.
This is a chance to shape care planning and support outcomes at scale within a dynamic council.
- Pay / Benefits
- flexible working options
- support for unpaid carers
- opportunities for professional development
- disability confident employer
- employee wellbeing and inclusion program
- carer support policies
Responsibilities
- Lead in a practice area and mentor junior social workers
- Provide professional guidance and feedback to the team and support the Team Manager
- Manage complex cases, seek supervision as required, and maintain up-to-date activity records
- Represent ECC in court proceedings and participate in legal case discussions and reviews
- Attend and chair strategy meetings and team around the placement/child meetings
- Contribute to quality assurance through case file audits and practice evaluation
- Stay current on legislation and policy developments relevant to children in care and safeguarding
- Support staff development and act as an expert consultant to schools, Children & Families
- Undertake occasional evening/weekend activities as required by the directorate
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade
- Key requirements
- Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent and registration with Social Work England
- Qualified Practice Educator or willingness to train as a Practice Educator
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- IT/Word processing skills
- Experience at an experienced social worker level with Children Services
- Experience in Child Protection work and section 47 investigations and assessments
- Experience of court work in Child Care matters and understanding of the legal process
- Knowledge of CA1989, CJA1991 and related legislation; knowledge of child development theories
- strong communication and interpersonal skills
- leadership and mentoring
- partnership building and collaboration
- IT/Word Processing skills
- case documentation and reporting
- participation in court and panel procedures
Senior Practitioner – Children in Care – North Essex employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner – Children in Care – North Essex
✨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 Essex County Council.
✨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 Essex County Council!
✨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 Essex County Council, 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 Essex County Council 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 Practitioner – Children in Care – North Essex
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 Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! 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 Essex County Council
✨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.
