At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families while leading a dynamic team of social workers.
- Company: Join a supportive frontline service dedicated to high-quality social work.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £3,000 Golden Hello, relocation support, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work degree and experience with complex families.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity within Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge and Malling for a Senior Practitioner. The successful candidate will be welcomed into one of our five teams based at Worrall House in Kingshill and will be responsible to the Team Manager, working closely with other Senior Practitioners, Social Workers and Social Work Assistant Lead Practitioners to ensure the highest quality support is offered to children and their families.
For this role, you will need to meet the conditions of the Job Description and Person Specification and will also be highly organised, flexible, and able to work in a fast‑paced, child‑focused environment. Mobile travel throughout a wide operational area, including Kent and beyond, will be required to support children and young people. The majority of your day‑to‑day work will be within Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge and Malling, but you may be required to travel beyond this area for specific circumstances.
You will model high quality social work practice and have an extensive understanding of social work knowledge in line with our practice framework. You will work with our most complex families, providing coaching and mentoring to social workers within the service, champion social work values and be committed to supporting the delivery of high quality social work to children and young people. You will also demonstrate leadership skills to deputise in the absence of the Team Manager.
About the Team: Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge and Malling Social Work Service is a dynamic and supportive frontline service comprising five dedicated teams led by experienced Team Managers. The workforce includes Social Workers, Senior Practitioners and Social Work Assistants, all committed to delivering high‑quality support to children and families.
About you: Your Social Work degree or equivalent will be supported by professional registration and extensive post‑qualifying experience. This experience should include working with complex families, Care Proceedings, collaboration with agencies to support positive outcomes for children, and support for other Social Workers within your team to deliver outstanding social work practice. You will have an in‑depth knowledge of safeguarding procedures, legislative frameworks and social work theories relating to children’s services.
- Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Command of spoken English/Welsh pursuant to Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).
Our Offer: Golden Hello: £3,000 one‑off payment for new joiners. Relocation: Up to £8,000 (if applicable). Competitive salary and a range of professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunities: KCC is committed to building a workforce that 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.
Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge & Malling – Senior Practitioner in Kent employer: Kent County Council
Join a dynamic and supportive team at Worrall House in Kingshill, where as a Senior Practitioner, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality support to children and families in Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge and Malling. With competitive salaries, generous relocation packages, and a commitment to professional development, we foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge & Malling – Senior Practitioner in Kent
✨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 Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge & Malling – Senior Practitioner in Kent
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.
