Senior Practitioner

Senior Practitioner

Ashford Full-Time 45672 - 51489 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Kent County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and ensure their voices are heard.
  • Company: Kent County Council, a leader in social work practice with an outstanding reputation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, training, and relocation packages.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable children's lives while advancing your social work career.
  • Qualifications: Registered social worker with a Full UK Driving Licence.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; part-time and full-time roles offered.

The predicted salary is between 45672 - 51489 £ per year.

Overview

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Advert

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Senior Practitioner to join the Disabled Children\’s Team, covering the South East of the County; Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe and Dover districts. Our team consists of Social Workers, Social Work Assistants and Occupational Therapists and we pride ourselves on being committed to promoting the welfare of disabled children. We work in close partnership with families and other agencies in providing packages of care and support, whilst ensuring disabled children are safeguarded.

The successful candidate will be experienced in working with Child protection, Child in Need, Children in care/court proceedings and have a passion for working with children with disabilities.

A role model for good practice and champion for your area of expertise, you will set performance expectations, supervise, coach and mentor less experienced staff. You will supervise social workers and social work assistants and take the lead in delivering reflective practice sessions to the team.

You will support the team manager, providing cover in their absence, for example chairing team meetings and overseeing the work of the team.

You need to be Social Work England registered with a social work degree, and in addition you should have substantial and varied experience of working with children and their carers and families. Experience in Children\’s Services is essential, including child protection an in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and policies.

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/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker.

Interview

Interviews will take place 16th & 17th April 2026.

Contact Details

For further information please contact – Craig Young 03000 418053

About The Company

Work that works for you and us – let\’s talk flexibility!

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.

Job Description & Person Specification:

  • Senior Practitioner KSI SIS.pdf – Job description

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Senior Practitioner employer: Kent County Council

Kent County Council is an outstanding employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its Senior Practitioners. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a commitment to training, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The opportunity to work across Kent and nationally, alongside a diverse team, ensures a rewarding career path in social work.
Kent County Council

Contact Detail:

Kent County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Kent County Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the UAS Children's Service. Understand their values and how they support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to social work scenarios. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner

Social Work Practice
Case Management
Supervision Skills
Child Protection
Interagency Collaboration
Assessment Skills
Communication Skills
Cultural Competence
Problem-Solving Skills
Empathy
Adaptability
Knowledge of Asylum Processes
Networking Skills
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for social work and helping vulnerable children. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives. This will help us connect with you on a deeper level.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest practices in social work, especially those related to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Familiarise yourself with Kent County Council's approach and Ofsted's standards, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in managing complex cases and supervising others. Think about situations where you've made a real difference in a child's life or navigated challenging interagency collaborations.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the service. Ask about the support available for professional development or how the team collaborates with other agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children.

✨Be Yourself

Authenticity goes a long way. The interviewers want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for social work and your motivation for wanting to join their team. This is your chance to connect on a personal level!

Senior Practitioner
Kent County Council
Location: Ashford

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