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 community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a creative team with a focus on strengths-based practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in youth services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
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 Thursday, 11 June 2026 at Brook House, Whitstable. For more information about the role, please contact County Transitions Manager, Ross Parkin on 03000 417721.
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, Youth Services – 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 forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work/life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner, Youth Services – East Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the youth services sector, especially those who might know about opportunities in East Kent. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the team and their approach to supporting young people. Show us you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your examples to highlight your strengths in person-centred assessments and collaborative practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills. Focus on your ability to mentor and supervise others, as this role requires strong leadership qualities.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do in East Kent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner, Youth Services – East Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your experience with young people and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in assessing needs and developing support plans. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strengths-based practice and how you've helped individuals achieve their goals. This is your chance to shine!
Be Authentic:Let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone with a positive, forward-thinking attitude, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’re passionate about working with young people. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the Senior Practitioner role. Brush up on person-centred assessments, SMART planning, and safeguarding enquiries. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience with young people and your ability to support their transition into adulthood. Highlight any relevant training or qualifications, especially if you have experience in strengths-based practice.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
The team is looking for someone with a positive, forward-thinking attitude. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and help you connect with the interviewers.
