At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion social work practice and support children with disabilities in Medway.
- Company: Join Medway Council's dedicated Children and Young People Disability Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in social work practice.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 45830 - 51130 £ per year.
Are you a dedicated and experienced social worker passionate about championing practice? We are now looking for passionate Senior Practitioners who can commit to making a difference to our children in Medway. As a Senior Practitioner, you will hold a caseload of complex cases whilst supporting the Team Manager in delivering high quality standards of social work to the children open for assessment, intervention, and support in the Children and Young People Disability team.
You will be required to attend access to resource panel and health panel to advocate on behalf of children in order to agree a support package. As a Senior Practitioner, you will be supporting the Social Workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers within your team. If you are passionate about an area of practice, we will support you to continue to develop in this area, become a champion and share your expertise with colleagues across Medway Childrens Services.
Children matter in Medway, and so do you. 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. Our practice development offer, whether you are a manager or practitioner, ensures you will be guided, supported and cared for.
Whether you are an experienced social worker looking for the next step in your career or an existing senior practitioner we would like to hear from you. You will be joining an experienced and dedicated social work team who have relationship and strengths-based work with children and families at the core of their practice. We have posts across our Children and Young People Disability Team (0-18).
Candidates will be offered a competitive basic salary between £45,830 and £51,130 per annum, dependant on your experience, and the potential to earn up to £60,130 per year when market premiums and retention are applied.
Our Offer
- A market allowance of £6,000 per annum (payable in 12 equal instalments)
- A retention payment of £3,000 per annum (payable in April, following 1 year of service in Medway)
- A generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days plus bank holidays
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- An essential car user allowance with option to apply for a lease car after six months
- Free car parking
- Hybrid working – enabling you to work from home/office (minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office). Assessment Teams are office based for duty weeks
- Relocation package of up to £8,000
- A range of staff benefits and discounts including access to fantastic discounts and savings on shops and services, travel discounts, health and wellbeing support, and an employee assistance service
- Access to professional development and support including Community Care Inform
About You
You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England. You will have successfully completed your ASYE. You will have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
This position is subject to an Enhanced Childrens DBS Check.
Important Information
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role. Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
How to apply
To apply please click on the Apply Online button at the top of this advert. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date. For more information on our roles within Children Services please visit https://www.medway.gov.uk/childrenservicesjobs.
Please consider the application guidance when submitting your application. 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.
If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ 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 support.
Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement
Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.
Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team in Chatham employer: Medway Council
Contact Detail:
Medway Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working in Medway. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children and Young People Disability Team. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent initiatives so you can show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion during the interview! Talk about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your commitment to making a difference in children's lives. Authenticity goes a long way in social work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share specific examples of your experience and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Senior Practitioner. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as it reflects the clarity we need in our work with children and families.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medway Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner. Brush up on your knowledge about complex case management and the specific needs of children and young people with disabilities. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since you'll be advocating for children at resource panels, prepare examples of how you've successfully advocated for clients in the past. Highlight your ability to negotiate and collaborate with other professionals to secure the best outcomes for children.
✨Emphasise Team Support
As a Senior Practitioner, supporting your team is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you’ve mentored or supported less experienced social workers. Share specific instances where your guidance made a difference in their practice or confidence.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Medway Council’s values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding relationship-based and strengths-focused work. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their vision.