At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Social Work through mentoring and leading engaging workshops.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence practice standards.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on Social Work learners and help build an outstanding workforce.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong mentoring and leadership skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 44200 £ per year.
Salary: £45,624 - £52,038 per annum
Grade: F
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
About the Role
Are you passionate about shaping Social Work across adult and children services through learning and development? Do you have a proven track record of supporting Social Work learners and a strong commitment to driving excellence in practice? If so, this is your opportunity to make a real impact by joining our Social Work Academy as a Senior Practitioner.
In this pivotal role, you will play a key part in developing talent across all career stages—from students to experienced professionals. You will provide tailored support to individuals, lead engaging learning workshops, and contribute to the moderation and quality assurance of our programmes. This is your chance to influence practice standards and help build a workforce equipped to deliver outstanding Social Work.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
- Qualified Practice Educator (PEPs 2) - essential.
- Strong experience in mentoring, supervising, and supporting Social Workers.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Commitment to promoting high standards of Social Work practice and professional development.
- Flexible approach to the role to meet the needs of the service which will include being available within the office when required (minimum 2 x per week).
DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Adults and Children’s Barred List is required for this post.
Closing Dates
- Redeployment Only: 15th January 2026
- Internal & External: 1st February 2026
Interview Date: 11th and 12th February 2026
For more information please contact - Deb Ireland
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
About us
Why Thurrock? Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Senior Practitioner - Social Work Academy in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Social Work Academy in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to social work practice and leadership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social work during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported learners or driven excellence in practice. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Social Work Academy in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for Social Work shine through! We want to see how committed you are to shaping the future of the profession and supporting learners. Share specific examples that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience in mentoring and supporting Social Workers, as well as your qualifications. We love seeing how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and experiences.
Follow the Guidelines: Don’t forget to complete all required documents, like the Gaps in Employment grid and upload any necessary qualifications. We want to make sure your application is complete, so double-check everything before hitting submit on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and practices in social work. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. This shows that you're not just interested, but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring is a big part of this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully supported and developed others in your previous positions. Think about specific situations where your guidance made a difference, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Social Work Academy and its goals. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
The job description mentions a flexible approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in your past roles. Highlight your ability to meet the needs of the service while maintaining high standards of practice.