At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the development of social work students and newly qualified social workers.
- Company: Walsall Council, committed to workforce development and community care.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, training opportunities, and paid registration fees.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker and Practice Educator with at least 2 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Here in Adult Social Care, we believe our workforce is our greatest asset and at the heart of all we do, working hard to provide the care and support needed by our residents. We aim to build a sustainable, skilled, and confident workforce that feels valued and supported in their career growth and wellbeing. Our new Workforce Strategy is designed to achieve this goal.
To deliver this Workforce Strategy we have established a brand-new Workforce Development Team to support us in ensuring we have the right people in the right place at the right time who are recognised and valued for their contribution.
If you are an experienced Social Worker and qualified Practice Educator with a passion for the development of the social work workforce, supporting students, apprentices and newly qualified social workers on the ASYE programme, you could be just the person we are looking for.
About You:
- You will be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England with a minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience preferably in an Adult Social Care setting.
- You will be a qualified Practice Educator with significant and proven post qualifying experience supporting SW students and other learners.
- You will have the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate in multi-disciplinary, multi-agency teams, contributing to key decision making and problem solving.
- You will demonstrate a commitment to developing social work as a career within adult social care.
About the job, you will:
- Have significant and proven post qualifying experience as a Practice Educator.
- Engage in regional PE CPD development opportunities through the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership and other forums.
- Take the lead monthly PE forums and share your learning with other PEs and ensure PEs maintain their currency and CPD requirements.
- Support training of PEs as a Practice Assessor and oversee the arrangement of student placements; this includes contrasting learning experiences for colleagues in Children’s services.
- Be the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) coordinator responsible for the delivery of the ASYE scheme in Adult Social Care (ASC).
- Lead and oversee the social work degree apprentices.
- Represent Adult Social Care within the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership, attending Regional Meetings and work stream.
- Lead on the assurance of the application of the Post-Qualifying Standards for Social Work Practice Supervisors in Adult Social Care.
- Support the Workforce Development Manager and Principal Social Worker in the delivery of comprehensive learning and workforce development activity across the Adult Social Care workforce.
What can we offer:
- Access to additional training including post qualifying awards.
- Hybrid working and Flexible Working/Flexi Time Policies to support you in meeting the needs of the business and maintaining a good work/life balance.
- A robust supervision policy, Continuous Improvement Conversations and Personal Development Plans, regular CPD and peer support.
- Payment of SW England registration fees will be met by the Local Authority.
Closing Date: Wednesday 17th June 2026
Interviews: W/C 29th June 2026
Want to know more? Contact Sue Lloyd, Head of Service Workforce and Partnerships (Principal Occupational Therapist) Tel. 07721 062 980 or email: sue.lloyd@walsall.gov.uk
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. Completion of a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for this role.
Senior Practitioner - Practice Educator - Ref: SS01626 in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
At Walsall Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our workforce. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous professional development, with access to additional training and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Adult Social Care while enjoying robust supervision policies and a commitment to your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Practice Educator - Ref: SS01626 in Walsall
✨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 Walsall 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 Walsall 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 Walsall 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 Walsall 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 Senior Practitioner - Practice Educator - Ref: SS01626 in Walsall
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 Walsall Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Walsall 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 Walsall 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.
