At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 18-25 in their transition to adulthood and independence.
- Company: Join KCC, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a creative team with excellent support and supervision.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in young people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in youth or adult services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Team
We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time and permanent Senior Practitioner in the Young People's Team covering East Kent. The team covers Canterbury, Thanet and surrounding areas. We have various bases across the area. There is an expectation that you are able to work flexibly across the whole area covered by the team.
We work predominantly with young people aged 18 - 25 with a range of care and support needs and we place the individual at the centre of their support. You will be involved in assessing the needs of disabled young people as they are transitioning into adulthood and planning with them to support the development of their skills and independence. You will undertake work of varying levels of complexity which includes; person centred assessments, developing SMART plans, undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments, Court of Protection applications and Section 42 safeguarding enquiries.
We offer an attractive benefits package and a commitment to ensuring that you achieve a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for flexible working arrangements which meet business need. We also offer generous market premium payments (subject to eligibility), and you will also be entitled to a generous annual leave allowance and the local government pension scheme.
You will receive regular personal and professional supervision and have the opportunity to critically reflect on your practice. You will be supported to develop your practice and progress your career.
Role and Responsibilities
You will have a small and protected caseload which will allow you to role model good practice whilst also supporting the Team Manager to set performance expectations as well as assist with facilitating reflective group supervision, team meetings and performance meetings. You will supervise, motivate and mentor a small group of Social Workers and Social Work Assistants and be expected to oversee the team’s work in the Team Manager’s absence.
We are looking for somebody who has a positive, forward-thinking attitude who will be able to use their strengths-based practice with individuals which is built around their desired outcomes and goals. Our team is creative and imaginative, and we are looking for a qualified Social Worker with a like-minded approach who will be able to work collaboratively as part of the team.
You will have excellent opportunities for professional development, be supported to consolidate your skills and knowledge and assisted to develop areas of specialist practice development such as Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), Best Interest Assessor (BIA) and Practice Educator (PE) training.
About You
You will need to be registered with Social Work England and possess substantial and varied experience of working with either children, young people or adults. 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 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.
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.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 at Kroner House, Ashford.
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 - Young People\'s Team covering East Kent in London employer: Kent County Council
KCC is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where flexibility and work/life balance are paramount. With a focus on developing skills in a creative environment, employees benefit from generous leave allowances, market premium payments, and opportunities for career advancement through specialised training. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across East Kent while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Young People\'s Team covering East Kent in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those already working with young people. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the team and their approach. Show us you understand the importance of person-centred assessments and how you can contribute to the team's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about your experience with young people and how you've used strengths-based practice in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Young People\'s Team covering East Kent in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support young people in East Kent.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives, as this will resonate with us and show you're the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the role and the team’s focus on young people aged 18-25. Brush up on your knowledge of person-centred assessments and SMART planning, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with young people or vulnerable adults. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully supported individuals in their transition to independence, as this aligns perfectly with the job requirements.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves mentoring and supervising others, so be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share how you’ve worked effectively within a team and contributed to group supervision or performance meetings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
