At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 18-25 in their transition to adulthood and independence.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering young individuals in East Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and positive outcomes.
- 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 or adult 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
- 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.
Senior Practitioner - Young People's Team covering East Kent in Whitstable employer: Kent County Council
As a Senior Practitioner in the Young People's Team covering East Kent, you will join a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the young people they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including market premium payments and a local government pension scheme, this role offers an excellent opportunity for meaningful impact and career progression. The team fosters a creative and collaborative culture, ensuring that you can thrive while making a difference in the lives of young individuals transitioning into adulthood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Young People's Team covering East Kent in Whitstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with young people. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle complex cases or support young people transitioning into adulthood. We recommend practising your responses with a friend or mentor to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your strengths-based practice! During interviews, highlight your approach to working collaboratively with young people and how you’ve helped them achieve their goals. This will resonate well with the team’s values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our creative and supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Young People's Team covering East Kent in Whitstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'person-centred assessments' and 'strengths-based practice', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work with young people or in similar roles. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in past positions, especially in areas like safeguarding and supporting transitions.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude and a creative approach. Share your passion for working with young people and how you can contribute to our team’s goals.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 safeguarding enquiries. This will help you demonstrate your understanding and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your experience with young people and your ability to support their transition into adulthood. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves mentoring and supervising others, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve motivated colleagues or facilitated group supervision, as this will showcase your leadership skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the challenges faced by the Young People's Team. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.
