At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cases and provide high-quality social work for children and young people.
- Company: Join a Good-rated authority in the beautiful East Kent area.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47990 - 53446 £ per year.
Join a Good-rated Service – Make a Lasting Difference
We have an opportunity for a Senior Practitioner to join our dynamic team in the beautiful East coast area of Kent. The offices are based in Whitstable which encompasses the City of Canterbury, the coastal and rural areas of Herne Bay and Whitstable and Thanet which covers Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and surrounding villages.
Why East Kent?
- Work in a region renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant communities, and excellent transport links.
- Be part of a Good-rated authority (Ofsted, 2025) committed to delivering the highest standards for children and young people.
- Enjoy a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.
About the Role
- Lead on complex cases, providing high-quality social work to children and young people from pre-birth to 18, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
- Manage a caseload that includes children subject to care proceedings to include completion of assessments and Court directed reports.
- Develop, implement, and review care and pathway plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in our care.
- Work closely with multi-agency partners, including the Courts, to plan and deliver permanence for children.
- Work alongside Team Manager to mentor and support less experienced colleagues, sharing your expertise and upholding high standards of practice.
What We’re Looking For
- Substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, ideally with children in care or child protection.
- Strong leadership skills and a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for children and families.
- Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and best practice.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and supporting others to grow.
What We Offer
- Competitive starting salary plus additional market premiums.
- Flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing.
- Access to Kent’s Social Care Academy and a range of progression opportunities.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification. This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.
Contact Details
For further information, please contact: Claire Cannon - 03000410856, claire.canno@kent.gov.uk
About the Company
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Senior Practitioner - East Kent Children In Care Team employer: Kent County Council
As a KPAS Attendance Officer with Kent County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving school attendance for children and young people across West Kent. The Council fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with various stakeholders while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - East Kent Children In Care Team
✨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 Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 - East Kent Children In Care Team
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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent 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 Kent 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.
