At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor a small team of Social Workers while managing a protected caseload.
- Company: Join a creative and forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for specialist training and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in young people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in social care.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 € per year.
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. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Benefits
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.
Practitioner - Young People's Team employer: Kent County Council
As a Practitioner in the Young People's Team, you will join a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises professional development and a healthy work/life balance. With a small caseload and opportunities for flexible working, you will be empowered to mentor and inspire others while benefiting from generous leave allowances and a competitive pension scheme. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives but also fosters your growth through specialist training and collaborative teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practitioner - Young People's Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that fits you perfectly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to social work. Think about how you can showcase your strengths-based practice and your ability to mentor others – that's what they'll want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that resonate with your values and approach. Check out our website for openings that match your passion for working collaboratively and creatively with young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Practitioner - Young People's Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially with children and young people. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Reflective:Since we value reflective practice, share examples of how you've learned from past experiences. This shows us that you can mentor others and contribute to our team’s growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of strengths-based practice and how they apply to working with young people. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, as this will show that you’re not just a qualified Social Worker, but also someone who understands the context of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be supervising and mentoring others, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of examples where you've motivated a team or facilitated group supervision. This will demonstrate your ability to step up in the Team Manager's absence and support your colleagues effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative approach, so come ready to share experiences where you’ve worked as part of a team. Highlight any creative solutions you’ve contributed to and how you’ve engaged with others to achieve desired outcomes for individuals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the council’s approach to supporting young people. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
