At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor and support social work students, driving service improvement and practitioner confidence.
- Company: Hackney Council, committed to anti-racist practice and community inclusion.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and tackling inequality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Practice Educator with strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Senior Social Worker Workforce & Practice – Adult Social Care
Employer: London Borough of Hackney
Contract: 12‑month fixed‑term secondment
Location: London Borough of Hackney (full‑time)
Introduction: Join Hackney Adult Social Care (ASC) as a Senior Social Worker in Workforce and Practice Development. This role supports the delivery of programmes for newly qualified social workers, apprentices, and students, driving service improvement, promoting best practice and strengthening practitioner confidence.
About the Role
The Senior Social Worker – Workforce & Practice Development will work within the Practice Innovation and Workforce Capability Team to develop and enhance ASC’s Continuous Professional Development offer. Key responsibilities include mentoring, supervision, and supporting staff to deliver strengths‑based, anti‑racist, and trauma‑informed services.
Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of programmes for newly qualified social workers (ASYE), apprentices, student social workers and practice education.
- Drive service improvement and strengthen practitioner confidence and experience.
- Mentor and supervise social work students, newly qualified workers and apprentices.
- Work closely with the Practice Innovation and Workforce Capability Team to deliver innovative learning opportunities.
- Use evidence and national best practice to improve the quality and safety of services.
Who We Are Looking For
- Experienced and confident social worker with a strong practical background.
- Practice educator and assessor experienced in providing direct support and supervision to students and individuals completing ASYE.
- Knowledgeable about current and emerging adult social care legislation.
- Strong communicator who promotes best practice and engages colleagues.
- Analytical mindset with awareness of the national context and needs of newly qualified social workers.
- Possesses an Enhanced DBS check (or able to obtain one).
What We Offer
- Hybrid working with a mobile phone and home computer.
- Competitive salary and a generous pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlements and a strong Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunities for coaching, mentoring and professional development.
- Supportive, inclusive work environment that values diversity and equality.
EEO Statement
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Council also recognises the disadvantage that can arise from social and economic circumstances and is committed to eliminating discrimination caused by social class. Flexible working is supported, and applications from disabled people are especially welcome due to under‑representation in the workforce.
Application Process
To apply you will need to create an account and complete a series of competency‑based questions. We do not accept supporting statements or CVs. Please apply before the closing date: 25 November 2025 (22:59).
Senior Social Worker Workforce & Practice – Adult Social Care in City of London employer: London Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for social workers. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the role of Senior Social Worker in Adult Social Care offers unique opportunities for mentorship and growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes hybrid working, generous leave, and a commitment to anti-racist practices. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career in a progressive and dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker Workforce & Practice – Adult Social Care in City of London
✨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 London Borough of Hackney.
✨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 London Borough of Hackney!
✨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 London Borough of Hackney, 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 London Borough of Hackney 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 Social Worker Workforce & Practice – Adult Social Care in City of London
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 London Borough of Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Hackney! 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 London Borough of Hackney
✨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.
