At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in care aged 16+ on their journey to independence.
- Company: Join Medway Council and make a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous retention payment, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with career progression and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Empower young people and contribute to their growth while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with 3 years’ experience in child protection and care processes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting a Senior Practitioner to join our 16+ Care Leavers Service. You will support children in care aged 16+ whilst you prepare them for transition to a personal advisor at 18 and into independence.
As a senior practitioner in our 16 plus Care Leavers Service you will support the team manager within the team and provide high quality case advice and guidance to colleagues focusing on the wellbeing of children in care and care experienced young people and supporting them on their journey to independence. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the learning and development of others either through acting as a Practice Assessor for students on placement, or contributing to training activities in a specialist area.
You will be able to demonstrate expert and effective practice that reflects a commitment to relationship and strengths-based practice, assessing and managing higher levels of risk, including contextual harm, and working collaboratively with children, young people and their families and carers. As a registered social worker with 3 years’ post qualifying experience, you will be expected to have knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working with children and young people and be experienced in child protection, looked after children processes and court work.
In addition to the annual salary, we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
- Market Premia Payment of £6,000 per annum (paid in equal monthly instalments).
- Retention Payment of £3,000 per annum (paid annually in April each year).
- Career progression scheme to support your pathway of professional development.
- Essential Car User Allowance with option to transfer to Lease Car after 6 months.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Free car parking.
- Access to a confidential information, advice and counselling service.
- Relocation allowance of up to £8,000.
Important Information: Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date. This post is subject to an enhanced Children’s DBS check. Candidates must have a valid driving licence for use in the UK and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Senior Practitioner 16+ Team in Kingston upon Hull employer: Medway Council
Medway Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of its staff. With a comprehensive benefits package, including market premia payments, career progression opportunities, and a strong local government pension scheme, employees are well-equipped to thrive in their roles. Located in the picturesque Southeast of England, Medway provides a vibrant community atmosphere with excellent transport links, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner 16+ Team in Kingston upon Hull
✨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 16+ Team in Kingston upon Hull
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.
