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- Tasks: Lead social work practice, support NQSWs, and handle complex cases.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a leading authority dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development programmes, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Interviews scheduled for July 2025; DBS check required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable children while growing your social work expertise.
- Qualifications: Must have a social work degree, registration, and significant post-qualifying experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Staffordshire County Council, we want to invest in you by supporting and developing your career in social work practice. Joining Staffordshire means becoming part of a children and families service committed to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Staffordshire County Council is the eighth largest county in England. Our Children’s Services aim to make lives better through a model of restorative practice, inspiring our practitioners daily.
Career Progression Framework
We support your development through:
- Practice Educator Programme
- Aspiring Team Manager programmes
Our social work teams operate across eight districts: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stafford, Lichfield, Cannock, East Staffordshire, and South Staffordshire.
Main Responsibilities
Our Social Work Practice Lead roles embody the principles of Professor Eileen Munro, focusing on developing social work expertise, promoting best practices, and encouraging research-based, reflective social work. Each Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) in their ASYE1 and ASYE2 years will be assigned a Practice Lead for support.
This role, based within frontline teams in East Staffordshire, aims to retain experienced practitioners while supporting the development and assessment of social workers within their Early Career Framework (ECF). It helps in staff retention through co-working, reflective practice, and nurturing all social workers.
Recruitment of NQSWs will focus on our frontline teams during their first two years, providing essential support for their development, fostering a \’grow our own\’ culture, and enhancing workforce retention.
Key Tasks of Social Work Practice Leads:
- Maintain practice expertise, handle complex cases, support policy updates, and share knowledge.
- Provide tailored support to NQSWs and less experienced staff through supervision, reflection sessions, development activities, and national event participation.
This role also involves strengthening links with partner agencies, supporting recruitment, and role modeling a positive, restorative culture.
The Ideal Candidate
Applicants should have:
- A social work degree and registration with Social Work England
- Significant post-qualifying experience
- Experience in coaching and mentoring
- Knowledge of legislation such as the Children’s Act, Working Together, etc.
- Ability to assess social workers against professional standards and present findings.
We are open to flexible working arrangements.
For more information, contact Michelle Berry at michelle.berry3@staffordshire.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 7 July 2025.
Our Values and Benefits
We foster a community spirit based on shared values, aiming for a better future. Our benefits include a supportive environment, work-life balance, and additional rewards. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare, being an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, and supporting diverse backgrounds, including care leavers and the armed forces community.
This position is subject to a DBS check, and applicants must disclose any relevant convictions or warnings.
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Social Work Practice Lead - Children\'s employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Practice Lead - Children\'s
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Professor Eileen Munro, as this role heavily embodies her approach to social work. Understanding her focus on reflective practice and best practices will help you align your experience with the expectations of the Social Work Practice Lead position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Staffordshire County Council, especially those in children's services. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your coaching and mentoring experiences in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've supported less experienced social workers, as this is a key aspect of the role and will demonstrate your capability to nurture talent.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and policies related to children's services, such as the Children’s Act and Working Together. Being knowledgeable about these will not only help you in the role but also show your commitment to professional development during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Practice Lead - Children\'s
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Social Work Practice Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the principles of Professor Eileen Munro and how they relate to social work practice.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly any coaching or mentoring roles. Emphasise your knowledge of legislation such as the Children’s Act and your ability to assess social workers against professional standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for safeguarding vulnerable children and young people. Discuss how your experience aligns with the values and goals of Staffordshire County Council, and mention your commitment to reflective practice.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with complex cases, your approach to supporting NQSWs, and your understanding of restorative practices. Be ready to provide examples that demonstrate your expertise and leadership skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Work Practice Lead. Familiarise yourself with the principles of Professor Eileen Munro and how they apply to developing social work expertise and best practices.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your significant post-qualifying experience in social work. Highlight specific examples where you've coached or mentored others, and how you've handled complex cases effectively.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Brush up on relevant legislation such as the Children’s Act and Working Together. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge informs your practice and supports your role in safeguarding vulnerable children and young people.
✨Emphasise Reflective Practice
Since the role involves nurturing reflective practice, be prepared to talk about how you incorporate reflection into your work. Share examples of how you've used feedback to improve your practice and support others in their development.