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 committed to flexibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, market premium payments, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in youth or adult services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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. 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.
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.
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. For more information about the role, please contact the current Team Manager, Ricky Martin Medcalf on 03000 417350 or County Transitions Manager, Ross Parkin on 03000 417721.
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 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 that values flexibility and inclusivity. With a focus on meaningful work with young people in East Kent, employees benefit from generous leave allowances, market premium payments, and opportunities for career advancement through specialised training. Join a creative and collaborative team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals as they transition into adulthood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Young People's Team covering East Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities in the Young People's Team. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the team and its values. Show us that you understand the importance of person-centred assessments and how you can contribute to the team's creative approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around your experience with young people and safeguarding. We want to see how your strengths-based practice aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Young People's Team covering East Kent
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 our Young People's Team!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, as we love to see that passion in action.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via 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 well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner, especially around person-centred assessments and SMART planning. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the job during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with young people, particularly those with care and support needs. Have examples ready that highlight your strengths-based practice and how you've helped individuals achieve their goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about situations where you’ve had to make tough calls or manage complex cases, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the support available for new practitioners. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
