At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Social Workers in delivering high-quality services to children and families.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council, a leader in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and meaningful impact on children's lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work or child services is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Stevenage (Hybrid Working)
Rate: £21 per hour (Umbrella) / £17.04 PAYE (exclusive)
Contract: Initial 3 months
Hours: 37 hours per week
Hertfordshire County Council is seeking a Children’s Practitioner to join their team on an interim basis, supporting Social Workers within a fast-paced children’s services environment.
About the Role
This role plays a key part in supporting Social Workers to deliver high-quality services to children and families. You will contribute to case progression, safeguarding processes, and direct work with children, ensuring the voice of the child is always central.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Social Workers with obtaining consent (email and face-to-face)
- Complete chronologies, case summaries, and genograms
- Assist with case transfers to Family Safeguarding Services
- Support with case closures and step-downs to Early Help services
- Complete CAFCASS information requests
- Assist with Children Looked After (CLA) processes
- Undertake safeguarding welfare checks
- Carry out direct work with children, capturing their voice
- Support the Child Advice and Information Officer when required
- Help facilitate Child Protection medicals (including occasional transport)
- Chair pre-birth meetings
- Support MARAC research where needed
- Make referrals to universal and community-based services
Working Pattern
Hybrid model: 2 days per week in the office.
Children Practitioner employer: Service Care Solutions
Hertfordshire County Council is an excellent employer for Children Practitioners, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Stevenage. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the council provides opportunities to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Hertfordshire County Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding processes and case management. We want you to shine when discussing how you can support Social Workers and ensure the voice of the child is central.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with direct work with children during interviews. Share specific examples that highlight your skills in capturing their voices and supporting their needs—this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Children Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Children Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to support Social Workers and work directly with children.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working in children's services! Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support children and families, as this can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application goes directly to us and helps streamline the process, making it easier for both you and our hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Children’s Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with key terms like safeguarding, case progression, and the importance of the child's voice. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experience where you've supported social workers or worked directly with children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
During the interview, express your commitment to child welfare and safeguarding. Share why this work matters to you personally and how you plan to ensure the voice of the child is central in your practice. This passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
