At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support vulnerable children and families in Knowsley.
- Company: Knowsley Council, an award-winning Local Authority committed to fair employment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovative, child-centred practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape their futures positively.
- Qualifications: Relevant professional qualification in social work or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 46142 £ per year.
This is a brilliant opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families in Knowsley.
Is this you?
- Believes deeply in giving children the best possible chance to thrive
- Can inspire and support a committed, skilled, and energetic team
- Brings strong partnership working skills
- Is motivated to drive Knowsley’s prevention and early help offer forward
- Has the confidence to innovate and champion child centred and trauma informed practice
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Knowsley’s Prevention Service - STEP. The team sits under the direction of the Youth Justice Service but is very much a partnership approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, crime and exploitation. We would like to hear from you if you are creative, resourceful, supportive, and have a genuine desire to positively shape the futures of children. We are specifically looking for someone who is committed, dedicated, with experience of influencing services for children.
Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace. Come join us and be part of our success.
The Team:
The STEP Team (Support, Together, Empower, Prevention) works with children at the earliest stages of need, supporting those on the edge of criminality or exploitation and helping them stay safe, connected, and on a positive path. The team’s impact is hugely valued across Children’s Services, and we’re now seeking a Senior Practitioner who can support the Team Manager to lead with passion, creativity, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for children.
The mission of the team is to provide a child first, trauma informed and relationship-based service to reduce anti-social behaviour, children entering the criminal justice system, and children becoming exploited. The service will support vulnerable children, some who have been impacted by adverse childhood experiences, those who are most excluded, so above all, you will need to have the drive, passion, and commitment to making a difference for these children. As the Senior Practitioner, you will ensure that all work is underpinned by the ‘Child First’ approach, driving this vision forward with the service.
The role:
Under the line management of the Prevention Team Manager, the Senior Practitioner will support the work of the prevention service, ensuring the highest standards of practice are maintained in the delivery of preventative interventions to children and their families in Knowsley. The Senior Practitioner will support the therapeutic approach within the team and maintain and adhere to the Trusted Relationship model approach.
Qualifications:
A nationally recognised professional qualification relevant to the service that includes accredited knowledge of children’s development, family dynamics and casework models of intervention, risk management (e.g. Social Work, Probation, Health, Youth & Community, Teaching) or equivalent experience. If Social Work qualified, registration with Social Work England.
At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time. There is a requirement for you to attend your work base at least 2 days per week.
We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.
Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants. At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley.
STEP SENIOR PRACTITIONER in Knowsley employer: Knowsley Council
Knowsley Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Lead Children's Social Care Team Manager, you will benefit from a permanent position with competitive salary, opportunities for growth within the council, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in the vibrant community of Knowsley, Merseyside.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land STEP SENIOR PRACTITIONER in Knowsley
✨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 Knowsley 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 Knowsley 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 Knowsley 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 Knowsley 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 STEP SENIOR PRACTITIONER in Knowsley
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 Knowsley Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Knowsley 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 Knowsley 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.
