At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through assessments and creative planning.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at KCC dedicated to supporting children in care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression pathways.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive environment where your work truly impacts children's futures.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong communication and report writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Role Responsibility
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care Team
There is a vacancy in the dynamic, vibrant Children in Care Team in Ashford. This is an opportunity to join a successful team led by an exceptionally supportive Team Manager where you have an opportunity to make a real difference to the children we look after.
As a Senior Practitioner you will be working within the court arena, undertaking parenting assessments, and ensuring children achieve their permanence as soon as possible. You will be an integral part of the team supporting the Team manager and other workers. You will have the opportunity to undertake direct work with children and be creative in your planning. You will work with a range of children 0-18 including our unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
This is a service that prides itself on engagement and participation with children and includes a calendar of events all year where we come together as staff with our children to have fun and enrich their care experience. You will have excellent support to develop and reach your potential.
We are looking for a candidate that is flexible, a good communicator, able to produce written reports to a high standard, work well with partner agencies and who has a passion for providing an outstanding service to the children we are responsible for as their parent.
Benefits
- A competitive starting salary, including market premiums subject to eligibility and criteria
- A supportive team working environment with regular supervision
- Access to a wide range of formal and informal CPD activities underpinned by a performance appraisal scheme and career progression pathway
- An annual appraisal linking your learning and development needs
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Local Government pension scheme
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi time, remote and hybrid working - dependant on your job role and business need
- Relocation Package
- You will also have a range of professional development opportunities including the exciting social care academy and routes for progression
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/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Contact Details
Please contact Rebecca Ransley on 03000 410631 for further details
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.
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care Team in Ashford employer: Kent County Council
Join the vibrant Children in Care Team in Ashford, where you will be supported by an exceptional Team Manager and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working options, and a commitment to inclusivity, KCC offers a rewarding environment for Senior Practitioners looking to grow their careers while enriching the care experience for children. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive team culture that values engagement and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children in Care Team in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Children in Care Team. They can give you insider info on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to child welfare and your experience. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children’s lives in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children in Care Team in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Senior Practitioner. Highlight your skills in communication, report writing, and teamwork, as these are key to what we’re looking for. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their experience with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured reports, so make sure your application reflects that. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward and user-friendly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the role of a Senior Practitioner within a Children in Care Team. Brush up on relevant legislation, best practices, and the specific challenges faced by children in care. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll need to communicate effectively with children, families, and partner agencies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated difficult conversations or built rapport with children and families in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity in planning. Think of real-life scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or adapt your approach to meet a child's needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working collaboratively in a team environment. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to team goals, especially in a social care context. This will resonate well with the supportive culture they promote.
