At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practice development and support alternatives-to-custody work for children in the North.
- Company: Join SHiFT, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving children's experiences in the justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on relational and trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming youth justice and ensuring children's voices are heard.
- Qualifications: Recognised social work qualification and experience in youth justice or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Practice Development Lead North to embed SHi FT's Practice model and support SHi FT’s alternatives-to-custody work across Tees and Greater Manchester
This is an important role focused on strengthening practice quality, supporting reflective spaces for practitioners, and helping ensure that children’s experiences remain at the centre of high-stakes decisions about courts, bail, remand and custody.
We are looking for someone with a recognised social work qualification, experience in youth justice, children’s social care or a related statutory setting, and a strong commitment to relational, systemic, trauma-informed, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice.
The PDL North works under the direction of the Head of Place-Based Change (North) and is the primary QA/QI resource for both programmes, holding close knowledge of every child's case, driving the learning-practice loop, and supporting Guides and Lead Guides to embed SHi FT's practice model in the remand context.
This is a practitioner-facing, practice-quality role: you will spend the majority of your time alongside Guides, in Child and Family Practice Discussions, and in direct engagement with partner agencies.
We especially welcome applicants with experience or knowledge of systemic practice, youth justice, remand, and/or fostering.
Knowledge of the North East or Greater Manchester context is desirable.
This is a social work qualified role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Practice Development Lead North in Manchester employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Development Lead North in Manchester
✨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 North East Combined Authority.
✨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 North East Combined Authority!
✨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 North East Combined Authority, 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 North East Combined Authority 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 Development Lead North in Manchester
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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority
✨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.
