At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support social work learners in their professional development.
- Company: Birmingham Children Trust, dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable children and young people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervising social workers and holding a PEPS award.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
About the role
Birmingham Children Trust are looking for a Senior Practitioner Educator to join their established Practice Academy Team. The Practice Academy is now in its fifth year successfully bringing together all learning and development opportunities for social workers pre and post qualification across the Trust. Its team ethos brings together all learners to create a network of practice and development. We have continued on our journey to grow our own social workers, leading to a success of recruiting and retaining social work staff. The team ensures that all our social work students and apprentices receive high quality placement opportunities that equip them with knowledge and skills required of newly qualified social workers ready to thrive on our ASYE programme. We also offer a year 2 programme which is our Accredited Child and Family Practitioner ACFP programme, and we deliver a Practice Educator Programme for those working towards their PEPS qualification. For social workers who have been out of practice we have a Return to social work programme to help them regain their registration and re-join the social work profession as practitioners.
You will support the learning and development of learners on our various programmes that the Practice Academy delivers. As a member of the Practice Academy team you will have a lead role in improving the quality of professional social work practice across the breadth of the case work cycle to children, young people and their families. We have been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, following a 2023 inspection. This is a hybrid role based in Birmingham so you must have the correct right-to-work documents to work in the UK. Sadly, we do not support those who require sponsorship.
About You
- Experience of Supervising and Supporting Social work practitioners.
- Have the full PEPS award required of experienced Practice Educators.
- Know what good social work practice looks like to quality assure, support and guide others.
- Strong organisation and time management skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience in using communication aids.
- A compassionate and patient approach, with a commitment to providing high-quality care.
- Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, a range of professionals and stakeholders.
Interview Dates: Interviews will take place on weekdays between 7th and 17th April.
Our Benefits:
- A generous annual leave package of 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years of service and 35 days after 10 years of service.
- Generous Pension Scheme.
- Full access to our amazing internal employee benefits scheme including Occupational Health services, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), Health & Fitness and Personal Wellbeing support and much more!
- Dedicated Practice Hub supporting continued training and career progression.
Onboarding Process: Please note as part of our onboarding process, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a series of background checks with Experian including Experian DBS, Right to Work, and Digital ID verification. These are essential pre-employment requirements. Sadly, we do not support those who require sponsorship.
Help us to change children and young people’s lives! At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of over 10,000 children and young people in our city every day. Our mission is to support the most disadvantaged children and young people in Birmingham, ensuring they are safe, happy, and healthy.
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work - be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable children.
- Supportive Environment - enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued.
- Career Development - benefit from tailored development programs, supportive supervision, and a range of learning opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Generous Benefits - take advantage of our competitive reward package including generous leave allowance, Local Government pension scheme, and additional benefits.
Our Values
We approach our work with care and compassion, actively listening to the needs of the children and young people we serve. We involve them in the decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. We are committed to using our resources wisely, ensuring that every penny is spent where it counts the most. We foster collaboration among schools, health professionals, and the police, working together to create a supportive network for our young people. We believe that when we work as one cohesive team, the children and young people of Birmingham are more likely to thrive. Our unified approach ensures that we provide the best possible support and opportunities for their growth and development. Join us and together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Safeguarding
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for working with children and young people. The level of check (Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List) is determined based on the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people. We are committed to the fair treatment of all applicants, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the job early should we reach the required number of applications, therefore please ensure you submit your application and supporting statement early to avoid any disappointment.
Senior Practitioner Educator in Birmingham employer: We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive environment that prioritises manageable workloads and professional development. With a recent 'Outstanding' OFSTED rating, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, specialised clinical supervision, and a commitment to anti-discrimination and equality, ensuring a fulfilling career dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner Educator in Birmingham
✨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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs).
✨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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)!
✨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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs), 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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs) 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 Educator in Birmingham
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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)! 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 We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
✨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.
