At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide community-based support to children and families, focusing on positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Harrow's innovative Early Help Service during an exciting redesign phase.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse professionals and enjoy a fulfilling career path.
- Why this job: Be a champion for vulnerable families and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in family support required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are offering a step up opportunity within our Early Help Service, for an EH Practitioner to provide community based early support to children and their families (Pre‑Natal – 19/25 years) group delivery and parenting programmes. The candidate will have the opportunity to champion key areas such as SEND, Good Level of Development and transitions. It is an exciting time for us at Harrow as we are redesigning our Early Help Service and you can be part of this journey to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.
The EH Practitioner will offer outreach-based support to vulnerable families and undertake direct work with children to achieve positive outcomes. You will be the lead professional and will take a whole family approach, working in partnership with other professionals who are part of the Team Around the Family. You will ensure the quality of the work is consistently high and the voice of the child is central to the work.
About You
- Have sound experience and working knowledge of family support and issues affecting our babies, children and young people in Harrow.
- Have experience of working closely with partner agencies in Health, Social Care, Voluntary and Charity organisations.
- Be educated to degree level or equivalent or has the equivalent relevant work experience.
- Early years care and education vocational qualification level 3 or above and commitment to study to level 4 and above.
- Level 2/3 certificate in Youth Work.
Early Support Practitioner employer: Harrow Council
At Harrow, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Early Support Practitioners. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and the chance to play a pivotal role in reshaping our Early Help Service, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. With a focus on teamwork and a whole family approach, you will find a rewarding career where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Support Practitioner
✨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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Early Support Practitioner
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 Harrow Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harrow 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 Harrow 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.
