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- Tasks: Lead practice development to enhance services for children and families in Medway.
- Company: Medway Council, dedicated to staff care and high-quality service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, relocation package, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and substantial experience with children and families required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to continuous improvement and development.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
Due to retirement and promotion, we are currently recruiting 2 Practice Development Leads to our Practice Development Service. Medway is highly committed to staff care and development to enable our staff to provide high quality, relationship-based work within the Signs of Safety practice framework with our children, young people, families, and carers. Children matter in Medway and so do you. We are proud to be Good in Medway and are determined to build on the great work that has been done so far to improve the services for our children, young people and families. It's an exciting time to join us as we offer competitive pay and conditions and hybrid working. We are committed to helping you to grow and develop throughout your career and reach your full potential.
Applications without a personal statement linked to the person spec will not be considered. Interviews will be held on 12th & 13th February 2026. We are looking forward to meeting you. The recruitment team will contact shortlisted candidates for interview dates.
Our offer:
- A basic salary of £51,131 to £55,607 per annum
- An annual market allowance of £7,000 per annum (payable in monthly payments)
- A retention payment of £3,000. This is a fixed sum payable in April each year, following one year's service in Medway.
- Casual car user allowance with option to apply for a lease car after six months.
- Hybrid working – enabling you to work from home/office (a minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office)
- Relocation package of up to £8,000
About You:
- You will hold a degree in Social Work - CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
- You will have substantial post qualifying experience working with children and families in the statutory sector.
- You will hold the PEPS level 2 qualification or equivalent (desirable).
- You will have experience of working with Signs of Safety or a similar relationship and strengths-based practice framework (desirable).
- You will hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
To Apply:
If you are looking for a new challenge, then we would love to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lori Goossen. To apply please click on the Apply Online button at the bottom of this advert. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Microsoft Teams. This post is subject to an enhanced Children's DBS check.
For more information on our roles within Children's Services please visit Medway Council Children's Services Jobs.
Important Information:
Please note that all recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email. If you require documentation/correspondence in hard copy format, please contact the Children’s Services Recruitment Team on 01634 332211 or email.
Please visit Mindful Employer for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Practice Development Lead in Chatham employer: Medway Council
Contact Detail:
Medway Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Development Lead in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Signs of Safety framework inside out! Familiarise yourself with its principles and how it applies to working with children and families. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Medway, especially those in similar roles. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to social work and relationship-based practices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your personal statement is tailored to the person specification – that’s key to getting shortlisted!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Development Lead in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Statement: Make sure to write a personal statement that directly links to the person specification. This is your chance to show us how your experience and skills align with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion for Children’s Services: We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children, young people, and families. Use your application to highlight any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you access to all the info you need about the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medway Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Signs of Safety practice framework and how it applies to your work with children and families. Brush up on your knowledge of relationship-based practices, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Tailor Your Personal Statement
Since applications without a personal statement linked to the person specification won't be considered, take the time to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. Show how your background aligns with Medway's commitment to staff care and development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to apply your knowledge in real-life situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in child welfare or family support.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their future plans for the Practice Development Service or how they support ongoing professional development for their staff.
