At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals through strengths-based practice and enhance community working.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Registered with Social Work England and experienced in social services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We will support you to consolidate your skills and knowledge, assisting you to develop areas of specialist practice development such as Approved Mental Health Professional Training, Best Interest Assessor Training and Practice Educator training. You will receive regular professional supervision and have the opportunity to critically reflect on your practice. You will be supported to develop your practice and progress your career.
Responsibilities and opportunities
- Provide a customer-facing service as part of an increasingly accessible team, with hours moving towards 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.
- Travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day.
- Work within community teams to enhance locality working practice and place the person and good practice at the heart of what we do.
- Supervise and develop staff, including performance management and safeguarding enquiries as required.
- Engage in strengths-based practice, focusing on individuals’ desired outcomes and goals, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
Requirements / Qualifications
- You will hold a registration with a professional body (Social Work England) and be competent to work at the Advanced Practitioner level of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Registered Practitioners.
- You will have post-qualification experience in Social Services, Health related agencies or related private or voluntary organisations.
- You will have experience of managing risk and completing safeguarding enquiries.
- You will be able to demonstrate expertise in the supervision and development of staff, including performance management.
- The ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner is essential.
Work environment and values
We are looking for future employees who have a positive, forward-thinking attitude and a commitment to strengths-based practice. Our teams are imaginative, locally focused and flexible, and we seek registered practitioners with a like-minded, collaborative approach.
Diversity and inclusion
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Closing date and application
Please note that the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated if a number of suitably qualified candidates apply. If you are interested, please apply soon as possible.
Benefits and development
We offer an attractive benefits package, opportunities for flexible working arrangements to meet business needs, and a healthy work–life balance. We offer generous market premium payments (subject to eligibility) and a generous annual leave allowance with the Local Government Pension Scheme. You will have excellent opportunities for professional development with access to our social care academy, progression routes and our newly launched practice framework.
social workers in Gravesend employer: Kent County Council
As a social worker with us, you will thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises your professional growth and well-being. Our commitment to flexible working hours, generous leave allowances, and a robust benefits package ensures a healthy work-life balance, while our focus on strengths-based practice fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture. Join a team that values diversity and empowers you to develop your skills through ongoing training and career progression opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land social workers in Gravesend
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kent County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kent County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kent County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kent County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace social workers in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
