At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people and families while guiding staff in best practices.
- Company: Wirral Council, dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Empower youth and families, shaping futures through hands-on leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Wirral Council is a place where you can genuinely make a difference, guided by strong organisational values that shape everything we do. Our values – ambitious, professional, resident‑focused and accountable – act as our organisational DNA, influencing how we work, lead and support one another every day.
This is a practice‑focused, non‑desk‑based leadership role where you will combine direct work with young people and families with day‑to‑day support for staff. As a Senior Practitioner, you will lead by example, modelling high‑quality, strengths‑based and trauma‑informed practice, while supporting practitioners with case guidance, reflective discussions, and problem‑solving. You will help maintain strong safeguarding standards and play a key role in developing the Prevention Hub and Custody Navigators provision, working collaboratively with partners to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and support young people at critical points in their lives.
Are you an experienced practitioner passionate about working with young people and families, and equally committed to leading others to do their best work? Do you believe effective leadership comes from leading by example, building strong relationships, and staying connected to frontline practice? We are looking for a confident and skilled Senior Practitioner to lead and shape our work with young people, playing a key role in the development and delivery of both our Prevention Hub and Custody Navigators teams. You will be a visible, hands‑on leader with a strong background in working with young people and families, including complex cases, and the ability to confidently support and guide others in practice. Balancing direct work with leadership responsibilities, you will be committed to high standards of safeguarding, strong partnership working, and achieving positive outcomes.
Youth Justice Service - Senior Practitioner employer: Wirral Group
At Wirral Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our strong organisational values foster a supportive and collaborative work culture, where you will have ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working directly with young people and families. Join us in a role that not only empowers you to lead by example but also allows you to contribute to transformative change in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Service - Senior Practitioner
✨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 Wirral Group.
✨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 Wirral Group!
✨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 Wirral Group, 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 Wirral Group 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 Youth Justice Service - Senior Practitioner
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 Wirral Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wirral Group! 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 Wirral Group
✨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.
