At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transformational change for children and families through participatory practice.
- Company: Join CELCIS, a leader in children's care and protection in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, open contract, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Welcoming applicants with lived experience; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker and advocate for children's rights and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in Community Learning and Development or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 46049 £ per year.
Salary Range: £37,694 - £46,049
Contract Type: Open Contract
FTE: 35 hours/week
Closing Date: 26 August 2026
Change-makers sought! Do you want to help Scotland to Keep The Promise?
At CELCIS, we are driven by a powerful ambition: to create lasting, transformational change in the lives of children, young people, and families. At the heart of this ambition is our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the voices, experiences, and rights of people with lived experience of support, care or protection services are not only heard, but understood so that these can meaningfully shape the decisions, services, and systems that affect their daily lives. We are committed to embedding lived experience throughout CELCIS - ensuring it informs and influences our internal culture, our ways of working, and our activity, from policy and research to practice improvement and system change.
The successful candidate will build on the strong foundations of participatory practice that have been established at CELCIS. Supporting the delivery of our strategic approach to embed the voices and experiences of children and families, our Participation Practice Advisor will work with our experienced, multidisciplinary teams across CELCIS, and work in partnership with organisations and the children's services workforce across Scotland and beyond.
This role will have an emphasis on creating the spaces and resources which will equip and enable colleagues and stakeholders to develop good practice and knowledge. In this role, you'll support the workforce to create readiness and build the confidence, skills, and culture needed to involve people with lived experience in safe, ethical, and meaningful ways. You'll design and facilitate reflective learning spaces, co-production activities, and inclusive activities that are trauma-informed and rights-based.
We’re looking for someone who brings integrity, and deep understanding of this work, someone who has 'walked the walk' in Community Learning and Development, or a related field, who is passionate about creating the conditions where children, young people and families are truly seen, heard, and valued. You’ll be a trusted, skilled facilitator, and a passionate advocate for children’s rights and wellbeing. Applicants with lived experience of support, care or protection services are welcomed and valued.
Formal interviews for this post will be held on 17 September 2026. Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Craig McCreadie, Participation Practice Lead (craig.mccreadie@strath.ac.uk).
Department: Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS)
Participation Practice Advisor in Glasgow employer: University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde offers an inspiring work environment at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives, and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing in Scotland. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to driving meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Participation Practice Advisor in Glasgow
✨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 University of Strathclyde.
✨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 University of Strathclyde!
✨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 University of Strathclyde, 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 University of Strathclyde 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 Participation Practice Advisor in Glasgow
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 University of Strathclyde:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Strathclyde! 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 University of Strathclyde
✨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.
