At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support care-experienced young people in achieving independence and positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire County Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive wellbeing package, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people transitioning to adulthood.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in complex case management and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 27996 - 34218 £ per year.
About the role
What could be more rewarding than helping care-experienced young people build the confidence, independence and opportunities they need to thrive in adulthood? Do you have the expertise and passion to lead practice that transforms outcomes for young people leaving care?
If so then this could be the ideal opportunity for you. We have a part time (30 hours), 12 month, fixed term or secondment opportunity in our Leaving Care Team for a Senior Practitioner.
We work with young people aged 16 to 25 who are in care or care experienced, supporting them to develop independence, access education, employment and training opportunities, maintain positive relationships, and achieve stability in adulthood. We use a strengths-based and relationship-focused approach, working in partnership with young people and professionals to achieve sustainable change and improved outcomes.
The role is hybrid with a mix of home and office working. It covers the whole of Cambridgeshire but the office base can be Noble House in Ely or Scott House in Huntingdon.
What will you be doing?
- Providing leadership in highly complex cases involving care experienced young people, risk management, vulnerability, homelessness prevention, and transition planning.
- Providing written and verbal reports for a variety of settings that are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex information and evidence.
- Leading, guiding and directing Social Workers, Personal Advisers and other practitioners, supporting their performance and development, including supervision.
- Supporting the planning, allocation and review of children across the team.
- Providing oversight and quality assurance of Pathway Plans and transition planning.
- Supporting partnership working with housing, education, health, DWP and other agencies to promote positive outcomes for young people.
- Supporting the induction and retention of staff.
About you
We're looking for confident and dynamic individuals who enjoy making a difference in their local community, are curious and spot things that others might not see, enjoy building relationships and like to explore possibilities.
You must:
- Be a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
- Have the ability to work from a variety of locations and travel countywide independently.
This is a Senior Practitioner post, so you must be able to demonstrate experience in complex case management, safeguarding practice, permanence and transition planning, and providing informal support or supervision to others. Experience of working with care experienced young people and an understanding of the statutory responsibilities towards care leavers would be advantageous.
Our benefits
We value our colleagues in Cambridgeshire County Council and have developed a number of benefits in addition to the basics like annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage:
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family.
- 6 days of protected time each year to support in maintaining your Continuous Professional Development.
- A Refer a Friend Scheme where if you refer another Social Worker to us who is subsequently employed by us as a result of that introduction, we’ll pay you an introduction fee of £350.
- Access to our Cambridgeshire Academy for Reaching Excellence (CARE) who will support your development, enabling you to become the best practitioner you can be.
About us
Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Our four values are central to our culture, driving everything we do. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Cambridgeshire and want our workforce to be reflective of this diversity, which we firmly believe benefits our colleagues, the organisation and our communities.
We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate and inclusive as well as diverse, so if you think you could be a good candidate for this role please consider applying and speak to the recruiting manager if you have any questions.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, as well as when you join us, and we encourage candidates to contact the Hiring Manager to discuss any adjustment needs.
Senior Practitioner fixed term - Leaving Care Service in Huntingdon employer: Grafham Water Center
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values leadership and collaboration. With opportunities for professional growth and comprehensive training, employees can thrive in a hybrid working environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying the unique advantages of working within local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner fixed term - Leaving Care Service in Huntingdon
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Grafham Water Center, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Grafham Water Center. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Grafham Water Center's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner fixed term - Leaving Care Service in Huntingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Grafham Water Center. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Grafham Water Center.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grafham Water Center
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Grafham Water Center.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior Practitioner fixed term - Leaving Care Service at Grafham Water Center.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Grafham Water Center that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior Practitioner fixed term - Leaving Care Service role.
