Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex cases and support children and families in need.
- Company: Join Cambridge County Council, dedicated to transforming lives through outstanding children's services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible office days and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and 3 years of post-qualifying experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor others and lead in complex situations.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58800 £ per year.
Hourly Pay Rate: £42
Work Pattern: Hybrid (2-3 days a week in the office)
Location: Cambridge County Council, Huntingdon
About Us
Children, young people, and their families are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that delivering Children's Services well has the potential to transform the lives of children, young people, and their families across Cambridgeshire. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and their families. We help children, young people, and their families to build their resilience and community connections and empower them to find their own solutions to problems. We understand that children and young people are not all the same, but they all deserve outstanding services.
The Role
The team undertakes MASH enquiries on referrals concerning children and their families, to establish whether the threshold is met for statutory intervention or whether early help is a more appropriate intervention. As a Senior Practitioner in MASH, you will manage a complex caseload commensurate with qualification, experience, and competency. Workload will be highly complex with a degree of autonomy with regular supervision.
Key Requirements
- To coach and mentor less experienced team members as a Practice Educator.
- To provide professional leadership in situations which have highly complex case arrangements for assessment and support planning, which involve risk, complexity, and safety of children, young people, and families.
- To deputise for the Team Manager when required and as agreed by the Service Manager, including responsibility for all key duties of the Team Manager in their absence.
- To undertake timely assessments in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and operational standards, policy, and procedures for the service with a high degree of efficiency.
- To plan, implement, and review services, actions, and processes for children and young people with statutory, regulatory, and operational standards, policy, and procedures for the service.
- To chair and attend relevant childcare meetings to ensure that the outcomes identified at assessment are met through the provision of support, equipment, adaptations, and enabling programmes.
- To provide written and verbal reports for a variety of settings, including at Court, that are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence.
- To lead, guide, and direct team members, to ensure work plans are in place and accountability taken by each team member for the cases held.
- To manage the planning, allocation, and review of workload for direct reports so priorities are managed, shortfalls identified, and services delivered within capacity and within departmental and partnership policies, procedures, and timescales.
- To develop effective partnership working with colleagues in related teams and partner agencies including community services both in terms of providing effective responses to the needs of children and young people and the development of an integrated service.
Skills & Experience
- Recognised professional Social Work qualification.
- Relevant 3 years post-qualifying experience.
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Car driver with full UK licence.
If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience, then this is the role for you. We would love to hear from you.
Senior Practitioner employer: Schools’ Choice
Contact Detail:
Schools’ Choice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific safeguarding policies and procedures in Cambridgeshire. Understanding local frameworks will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex cases and mentoring less experienced colleagues. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your leadership skills and ability to handle the responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in child welfare and safeguarding. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key duties outlined.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your three years of post-qualifying experience in social work. Provide specific examples of complex cases you've managed, showcasing your ability to handle challenging situations and your leadership skills.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your recognised professional Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. This is crucial for demonstrating your eligibility for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also expresses your passion for safeguarding children and families. Discuss your approach to mentoring and coaching less experienced team members, as this is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools’ Choice
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner in a Multi Agency Safeguarding Team. Familiarise yourself with the key requirements and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing complex cases and mentoring less experienced team members.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to handle complex situations, lead teams, and make critical decisions. Highlight your post-qualifying experience and any relevant cases where you made a significant impact.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll need to provide clear reports and communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex information in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is at the heart of this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding principles and how you've applied them in your practice. Share any relevant training or experiences that showcase your dedication to promoting the welfare of children and families.
