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- Tasks: Support children and families while leading a dynamic social work team.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a diverse community-focused organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a Good-rated service with a supportive culture and career growth potential.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 2 years' experience in children's social care.
- Other info: Opportunities available across various teams; specify your preference when applying.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55633 £ per year.
Salary up to £55,633 per annum (Basic salary: £42,917-£49,133 + Market Supplement of £6500*)
Grade: Permanent Contract
Thurrock is located between East London and Essex, easily accessible by road, rail and even the Thames. We have a diverse community of families that are growing and Thurrock Council offers services to meet their needs. Our Children’s Social Care Service is an established team that is supporting the community.
In Thurrock, we have the ambition and drive to make a positive difference to the lives of those most in need. We pride ourselves on having a diverse workforce which reflects our community. Our social work teams are enthusiastic, resilient, keen to learn, have high aspirations, and embrace innovative practice.
Thurrock Children's Services is rated Good by Ofsted, offers a great working environment with a stable management team and caseloads are managed so time is focused on families. We are developing our services and roles available for Social Workers who are ready to be part of the team.
Our Senior Practitioners are skilled in their role, they support their Team members and Team Managers with the work of the team. In return, our Senior Practitioners are supported with appropriate caseloads and are also offered development opportunities to become leads in their teams in specialist areas of work.
To be appointed you will need to demonstrate 2 years post qualifying experience in children’s social care, your expertise and commitment to achieving the best for children. We welcome applications from experienced Social Workers looking to step up to a senior role or from experienced Senior Practitioners looking to move into a new area of work.
We have opportunities across the service and an excellent reward and support package. You must be Social Work qualified, be registered with Social Work England and be able to work in the UK. Please note at this time we are unable to support applicants that will need sponsorship.
Our Social Work teams are:
- Prevention and support services
- Children and Family Assessments Team
- Family Support Team
- Children With Disabilities
- Adolescent Service
- Fostering & Adoption
Please note we may not have vacancies in all of these teams when you apply – please state if you have a preferred team within your application.
What We Offer:
- Excellent remuneration package inclusive of basic salary and market supplement*
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service
- Career average pension scheme
- Relocation packages
- Salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes
- Flexible working to enable work life balance
- Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum
- Reflective supervision and management support
- 24-hour health advice and support
- Excellent training opportunities and an established CPD programme
- Funded DBS
- Mileage 45p per mile
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level is required for this role. *Market Supplements are subject to an annual review process.
Interview Date: To be confirmed. Unless a valid reason for an alternative arrangement is provided, all interviews will be conducted in person.
For a detailed discussion about your area of interest please contact our service managers.
Senior Practitioner - Childrens Services employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Childrens Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges of the Thurrock community. Understanding local demographics and issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Thurrock Children's Services. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in children's social care in detail, particularly any leadership roles or mentoring experiences. Highlighting your ability to support team members will resonate well with the role of a Senior Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest developments in children's social care policies and practices. Being knowledgeable about current trends will show your dedication to professional growth and your readiness to contribute to the team's innovative practices.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Childrens Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Practitioner position. Highlight your relevant experience in children's social care and how it aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications, skills, and experiences that are most relevant to the Senior Practitioner role. Emphasise your post-qualifying experience and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and families. Mention specific examples of your achievements in previous roles and how you can contribute to Thurrock's Children's Services.
Highlight Team Preferences: If you have a preferred team within the Children's Services, make sure to mention it in your application. This shows your interest in specific areas and helps the hiring team consider your fit within their structure.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and families. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to improving the lives of those in need.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your two years of post-qualifying experience in children's social care. Be ready to provide detailed accounts of your previous roles, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Thurrock's Services
Research Thurrock Children's Services and understand their structure and the various teams. Mention any specific team you are interested in during the interview to show your enthusiasm and preparedness.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about team dynamics, support for professional development, or the challenges currently faced by the service.
