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.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- 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.
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
Join our dedicated Children in Care Team in Medway, where we prioritise the well-being of children and families. As an employer, we offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee welfare, we ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team in Chatham
✨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 Medway 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 Medway 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 Medway 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 Medway 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 Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People Disability Team in Chatham
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 Medway Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Medway 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 Medway 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.
