At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young carers and their families, building trust and providing guidance.
- Company: Southampton Children’s Services dedicated to improving young people's lives.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on impactful partnership working.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young carers every day.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children, strong relationship-building skills, and advocacy experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a practitioner to join our Family Help service to support children and young people, and to help professionals recognise and respond to young carers more effectively. This role is about making a tangible difference to young people’s lives and supporting joined‑up practice across services that work with young carers.
Why this role matters
Young carers often take on significant responsibilities at a young age. Their needs can go unrecognised or unsupported without effective identification and response.
What you will be doing
- Work directly alongside young carers and their families, building trusting and supportive relationships
- Provide advice, guidance and support to professionals working with young carers
- Advocate for young carers so their experiences are heard and reflected in the support they receive
- Support colleagues to identify and respond to young carers confidently and effectively
- Contribute to early intervention and prevention, helping to reduce escalation of need
Who we’re looking for
- Is passionate about working with children and young people and improving their outcomes
- Values relationship‑based practice and understands the importance of trust and connection
- Is confident working directly with families and alongside other professionals
- Can support and influence professionals in a constructive and practical way
- Is committed to ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard, respected and acted on
What you’ll gain
- A role with real purpose where you can see the difference you make every day
- Opportunities to contribute to strong partnership working for young carers across the city
- The chance to develop your specialist expertise and confidence in practice
- A supportive team environment that values reflection, learning and wellbeing
If you’re motivated by making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Working arrangements
You will be based within the Central Family Hub in Southampton’s three designated locality teams and will work across all localities and children’s service areas.
Young Carers Practitioner in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join Southampton Children's Services as a Young Carers Practitioner and become part of a dedicated team that is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people. With a strong focus on relationship-based practice, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while working collaboratively with families and professionals in a supportive environment that prioritises reflection and wellbeing. This role not only offers meaningful work but also the chance to contribute to vital partnership efforts across the city, ensuring that the voices of young carers are heard and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Carers Practitioner in Southampton
✨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 Southampton City 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 Southampton City 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 Southampton City 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 Southampton City 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 Young Carers Practitioner in Southampton
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 Southampton City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southampton City 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 Southampton City 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.
