At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower young people in a residential setting, helping them develop essential life skills.
- Company: Join Norfolk County Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, health services, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's futures while growing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a commitment to improving their lives is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29071 - 29071 £ per year.
Young people are at the heart of our practice at Norfolk County Council. They have established key principles for their ideal worker to help them flourish. Please ensure you read these requirements carefully and apply only if you can fully commit to them.
Norfolk Residential Children’s Homes provide emergency and time limited, specialist care for young people (male and female) aged between 8 - 17 years, when either family, foster care, mainstream residential or other community-based placements are not possible or desirable at the time. Staff at the home will be expected to contribute to an assessment of the child's needs with the objective of either reunification, a move to a family or community-based placement, or a longer term or a more specialised residential home.
You will be joining a highly motivated and enthusiastic team who endeavour to make significant changes in young people’s lives. Our teams work across the whole week (including weekends and bank holidays). Ideally, you will have a background in residential care or be experienced in working with children. You will be required to have good levels of literacy and numeracy. A full driving licence and daily access to a vehicle are required for this role.
To work within this environment, you will need to be committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. You will need to be reliable, have good personal relationship and communication skills as well as high professional standards.
Following a thorough induction and training programme, your duties will include:
- Supporting and providing meaningful day to day activities for the young people.
- Developing personal and practical skills to enhance young people’s independence skills.
- Reporting and recording key aspects of care and developing your professional skills.
- Managing complex behaviours that can be challenging.
- Working in collaboration, and also directly with families and other professionals, to ensure best outcomes for children and young people.
- Holding or being willing to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care (paid for).
In return we will offer you:
- A supportive team who cares about your wellbeing and professional development.
- A generous annual leave entitlement, plus the opportunity to purchase up to two weeks additional leave through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption pay and time off to support you as your family grows.
- Access to services that support your health and wellbeing, such as confidential counselling and advice, fast track physiotherapy and NHS Health Checks for employees over 40.
- NCC pension scheme.
- Cyle to work scheme.
Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria.
These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:
- Competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependant on your job role and business need.
- Financial benefits such as: ‘Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
- A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
- Relocation expenses (where applicable)
- An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions.
- Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
- Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
- A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job
We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.
Residential Children's Practitioner (Level 2) in North Walsham employer: Norfolk County Council
Norfolk County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities and resources to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children in the community. Located in Norwich, this role provides the unique advantage of working within a collaborative environment that values partnership with schools and families, ensuring a rewarding experience for all involved.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Children's Practitioner (Level 2) in North Walsham
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Norfolk County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Children's Practitioner (Level 2) in North Walsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Norfolk County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Norfolk County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norfolk County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Norfolk County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Residential Children's Practitioner (Level 2) role at Norfolk County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Norfolk County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
