At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex casework and guide colleagues in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join South Lanarkshire Council, committed to professional growth and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, up to 33 days annual leave, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adults and older people.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and at least 3 years of post-qualifying experience required.
- Other info: Clear career progression and a culture that prioritises people.
The predicted salary is between 50622 - 51370 £ per year.
Internal applicants MUST apply via Opportunity Marketplace. Please ensure you complete your SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS via the “Me” tab/tile on Fusion or by clicking on the application link in the section of the application form titled “REVIEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS.”
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 12 December 2025 at 11:55PM
Location: Hamilton Area Office
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm, Friday 8.45am to 4.15pm
Salary / Hourly Rate: £50,622 - £51,370 per year
Who we are looking for:
Are you an experienced social work professional looking for the next step in your career? We are seeking a Senior Practitioner to join our Adult and Older People team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a supportive environment that values professional growth, innovation, and well-being.
About the role:
As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a pivotal role in leading complex casework and providing expert guidance to colleagues. You will contribute to service development by promoting best practice and supporting continuous improvement across the team. This role requires a strong understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and guidance, alongside the ability to assess and manage risk effectively. You will work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver high-quality outcomes for individuals and communities. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will support them in providing professional advice and guidance to colleagues, promote best practice and contribute to service improvement. This position is ideal for experienced social workers who wish to progress their career while remaining actively involved in practice.
Essential Requirements:
- Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent.
- Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.
- Adult Support and Protection training to Council Officer level.
- Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience.
- Evidence of a Postgraduate Qualification (e.g., Practice Teacher Award, Mental Health Officer training, PQ award) or specialist qualification in adult services (e.g., Dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability).
- Proven experience managing complex cases.
Why work with us?
- Clear career progression
- Flexible working options
- Visible and accessible management team providing monthly reflective supervision
- A culture that puts people at the heart of everything we do
South Lanarkshire Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.
Please answer the following questions as part of your application submission, your answers should be uploaded under supporting documents:
- Describe your knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to the Senior Practitioner role.
- Describe your experience in assessing needs and risks, including legislation underpinning your practice.
- Describe a situation where you managed conflict or differing opinions and achieved resolution.
- Detail how you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Describe your understanding of partnership working, including an example of collaborative outcomes.
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents. Please apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
Legislative Information: This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003. This post is considered Regulated Work with adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and/or adults. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
Equal Opportunities and Armed Forces Community Covenant: South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community. We are a Disability Confident Scheme Employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description. South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Veterans & Service leavers are guaranteed an interview who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
- Occupational sick pay
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. To be considered for this vacancy you must complete the application form. All CV submissions will be disregarded.
SWRK 3106 - G3 Senior Practitioner (608150) - 3106-431142016 in Hamilton employer: South Lanarkshire
Contact Detail:
South Lanarkshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 3106 - G3 Senior Practitioner (608150) - 3106-431142016 in Hamilton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on South Lanarkshire Council. Understanding their values and how they support professional growth will help you connect your experience to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to social work and think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills in managing complex cases and working collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for social work shine through. Talk about why you love helping others and how you can contribute to the team’s mission of delivering high-quality outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace SWRK 3106 - G3 Senior Practitioner (608150) - 3106-431142016 in Hamilton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills fit in. Highlight any relevant experience that matches what they're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills and Qualifications: When filling out the application, don’t forget to complete the SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS section. This is your chance to shine! We recommend using specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.
Answer the Application Questions Thoughtfully: Take your time with the application questions. We want to hear about your experiences in assessing needs, managing conflict, and working collaboratively. Use clear examples to illustrate your points – this will help us see how you approach challenges in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, all correspondence will be sent to your email, so keep an eye on that inbox!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation, policies, and guidance related to social work. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just experienced but also well-informed about the current landscape.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've managed complex cases or led teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with partner agencies, be ready to discuss your experience in partnership working. Share examples of how you've achieved collaborative outcomes and what strategies you used to foster teamwork.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the organisation's approach to service improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.