At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative social care practices and support teams in delivering person-centred services.
- Company: Join Norfolk County Council, a key player in local government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a £2000 welcome payment for qualified candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in practice consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 49818 - 49818 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Practice Consultant to join our North Place Duty Team, supporting work with older people and adults with physical disabilities. This role sits at the heart of an exciting period of transformation within Adult Social Care, where we are redesigning how we work to create a more relational, flexible and community-connected service.
As a Practice Consultant, you will champion high-quality, strengths-based practice through a Human Learning Systems approach, helping practitioners move away from rigid processes and towards responsive, person-led decision-making. You will also play a key role in embedding Community-Led Support, ensuring teams work in partnership with local people, families, and community groups to enable earlier help, stronger independence, and better outcomes.
You will provide expert coaching, reflective practice, and professional guidance, supporting staff to develop confidence, curiosity, and professional judgement. Working closely with the Cluster Manager and wider partners, you will help shape culture, support continuous learning, and model the values and behaviours needed to deliver truly person-centred social care.
To build meaningful relationships with the people we support, this role requires regular in‑person work in both the office and community. If you are passionate about great practice, committed to innovation, and motivated by the opportunity to influence positive change during a key transformation period, we would love to hear from you.
You need to be registered with Social Work England as a practising Social Worker.
We offer a £2000 welcome payment for qualified and experienced Social Workers (grade J and above) and Practice Consultants new to Norfolk County Council. Amount to be repaid in full should you leave within two years of employment.
For experienced Social Workers new to Norfolk County Council, we promise to try and match or better your existing salary, providing it's in the spectrum of the grade advertised.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equivalent positions.
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.
About Us: We have miles of beautiful coastline and our unique Broads, thriving market towns and a city with a proud cultural heritage. Our economy is growing and driven by innovation in a number of sectors, including energy and food. We also have ambitious plans for new housing and a building programme for schools across Norfolk. Our county is a great place to live, work and visit, and is an excellent environment for businesses to start, grow and innovate.
We are the main local authority for Norfolk providing services countywide to more than 850,000 Norfolk residents. We take the lead in critical policy areas, working with 84 elected Members responsible for the strategic local government services in the county. We provide a high quality service through involving people who use our services to shape and comment on them and by promoting efficiency and innovation. We work in partnership with local businesses, voluntary organisations and other local authorities such as District and Parish Councils to provide the people of Norfolk with excellent services.
Practice Consultant - Social Worker 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 Practice Consultant - Social Worker
✨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 Norfolk County 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 Norfolk County 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 Norfolk County 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 Norfolk County 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 Practice Consultant - Social Worker
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 Norfolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Norfolk County 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 Norfolk County 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.
