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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex child protection cases and support families across Hampshire.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council, dedicated to safeguarding children and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Other info: Relocation assistance available and a nine-day fortnight for better work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 40643 - 45077 £ per year.
Overview
Embark on the next step of your Social Work career with a transformative role in Child Protection. As part of a network of Lead Practitioners, you\’ll be guided by strategic leadership and united by a shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Hampshire. We\’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children\’s services. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.
Responsibilities
- Take charge of a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases, ensuring families receive the right interventions and support.
- Offer expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues, enhancing their professional growth and boosting team effectiveness.
- Confidently chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for the needs of children and families.
- Collaborate with external partners, including various agencies and stakeholders, to provide comprehensive support for families.
- Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.
Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
- Significant experience working with children and families in a UK-based statutory social work setting, with a strong focus on child protection and safeguarding.
- Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
- Proven experience in mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners whilst role modelling best practice.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and in-depth knowledge of the legal frameworks and professional issues underpinning child protection and social work practice.
- Highly skilled in building trust and engaging with families. Able to listen, negotiate, and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Benefits & Additional Info
- Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
- Flexible working: Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
- Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE \’Partner in Practice\’ initiative.
- Back-office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
- Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
- Wellbeing support: Access to Health Assured\’s comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
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Child Protection Lead Practitioner employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Hampshire Approach, as it's central to the role. Understanding this strength-based framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Child Protection Lead Practitioners or social workers in Hampshire. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and the team dynamics, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex child protection cases in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in families' lives, as this will showcase your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative skills, especially your experience working with external partners and stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully built relationships in previous positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in child protection and social work. Emphasise your qualifications, including your registration with Social Work England, and any specific skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for child protection and your understanding of the Hampshire Approach. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases and mentor colleagues.
Highlight Collaborative Skills: Since the role involves working with various agencies and stakeholders, be sure to include examples of successful collaborations in your application. This will show your ability to advocate effectively for children and families.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Understand the Hampshire Approach
Familiarise yourself with the Hampshire Approach, as it is central to the role. Be prepared to discuss how this strength-based framework can be applied in your practice and how it aligns with your values.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience in child protection and social work. Be ready to provide specific examples of complex cases you've managed and the outcomes achieved, demonstrating your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role involves collaborating with various agencies and stakeholders, think about your past experiences in chairing meetings or advocating for families. Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate and build relationships with different partners.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Express your commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Mention any relevant training or CPD activities you've undertaken and how they have enhanced your practice, aligning with the organisation's focus on staff development.
