At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of social workers to support children and families.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, a leader in children's social work services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong support and clear progression pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered social worker with experience in systemic practice.
The predicted salary is between 47990 - 53446 £ per year.
Location: Brook House, John Wilson Business Park, Reeves Way, Whitstable CT5 3SS, UK
Salary: 47,990 - 53,446 per year
Employment: Flexible
Category: Social Work
Posted: 2026-07-15
Valid to: 2026-08-12
Join Our Canterbury Social Work Service as a Senior Practitioner!
Are you an experienced Social Worker ready to take the next step in your career? Canterbury Social Work Service, based at our Whitstable Local Office, is seeking a skilled and committed Senior Practitioner to join our service. We are an established and supportive service comprising five dedicated teams who work collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for children and families. As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of practice, supporting colleagues, and contributing to the ongoing development of the service.
Why Join Us?
- A strong and supportive team culture
- A clear focus on professional development
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference
If you are passionate about social work and ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic and supportive environment, we want to hear from you. Join us at Canterbury Social Work Service and be part of a team that is making a positive impact every day.
About you
Professional registration as a social worker with Social Work England – CQSW, DipSW or equivalent – you will have a breadth of post-qualification experience working with children and families.
You will demonstrate:
- Experience of systemic practice
- A strong understanding of legislative and policy frameworks
- The confidence to support and guide others in their practice
- The ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies
Alongside your professional expertise, you will be committed to continuous learning and to maintaining high standards of social work practice.
Rewards
In return for supporting our ambition to deliver high-quality services, we offer a strong commitment to your professional development. As a qualified Social Worker with Kent County Council, you will benefit from:
- Regular, high-quality supervision and management support
- Access to a broad range of training and development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
- A comprehensive benefits package
About us
The right team: Improving outcomes for children in Kent is a shared responsibility. We have developed a culture that promotes high standards, collaborative working and professional curiosity. Our managers are experienced and approachable, providing consistent supervision and support. You will also have access to expert practitioners across the service, offering opportunities to develop your practice further and learn from experienced colleagues.
The right time: We continue to invest in our services and workforce, strengthening practice and embedding improvements that support children and families across Kent. This is an opportunity to join a service that is committed to learning, development and continuous improvement.
The right place: We are proud of the progress we have made in Kent and remain focused on further strengthening our services, ensuring that children remain at the centre of our culture and practice. As one of the largest Children’s Social Work Services in the country, we are able to offer a breadth of experience and opportunity. You will have access to a comprehensive learning and development framework, with opportunities tailored to both individual and team needs.
As a Senior Practitioner, you will:
- Act as a role model and mentor to less experienced colleagues
- Contribute to training and development initiatives
- Maintain and share up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy and practice
- Support the delivery of consistent, high-quality social work across the service
Benefits
- 47,990 – 53,446 per annum
- Annual market premium (subject to eligibility)
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible / hybrid working arrangements
- Relocation package (subject to eligibility)
- Access to the Social Care Academy and wider CPD opportunities
- Clear progression pathways
Whilst we support hybrid working, this role requires mobility across a wide operational area, including travel across Kent and beyond as required, including in emergency situations. 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. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Please do not reapply if you have been interviewed for this post in the last six months.
To find out more about the role please get in touch today by emailing Carrie Bill on Carrie.Bill@kent.gov.uk
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 in Whitstable employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Whitstable
✨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 Senior Practitioner in Whitstable
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.
