At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, driving positive change in their lives.
- Company: Join Knowsley Council's passionate team dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in child development and intervention.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey.
Location: Nutgrove Villa, Westmorland Road, Huyton, Knowsley, L36 6GA, Hybrid Working
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week. Consideration will be given for part time working.
Closing Date: 21/06/2026 at 23:59
Reference: SVP 0622
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
- 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.
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.
STEP Senior Practitioner in Huyton employer: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
At Knowsley Council, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where passionate individuals can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth and innovation in your role. Join us in our mission to champion child-centred practices and contribute to the vibrant community of Knowsley, where your efforts will be truly valued.
Contact Details:
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land STEP Senior Practitioner in Huyton
✨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 Metropolitan Borough 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 Metropolitan Borough 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 Metropolitan Borough 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 Metropolitan Borough 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 Huyton
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 Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Knowsley Metropolitan Borough 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 Metropolitan Borough 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.
