At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop social work practice for children and young people in a supportive team.
- Company: Solihull Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualified with substantial experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 51356 £ per year.
Permanent, Full time Band F - £45,091 - £51,356 per annum. At Solihull Council, we pride ourselves on being a Council that is small enough to care, but big enough to make a difference. We have been rated Good in our most recent Ofsted Inspection in 2025 but continue on our transformational journey, designed to improve the experience of the children and families we work with. Children’s Services is our top priority within our Council Plan, and we are placing children at the heart of all that we do. We’re excited to be implementing the Social Care Reforms in Solihull. We are excited to be recruiting for an Advanced Practitioner for our Children We Care For Service.
Responsibilities
- You will be responsible for ensuring high quality and effective social worker practice within your team and will lead and develop the professional practice of team members and model and facilitate restorative practice.
- As Advanced Practitioner you will hold a reduced caseload of complex and challenging children and young people, line manage alternatively qualified staff within the social work team and assist and deputise for your Team Manager.
- You will support best practice development, through sharing expertise and providing support and development for other practitioners.
- You will use your social work expertise and a clear child focus to secure the best for our children, young people, and families.
Due to our investment and commitment to ensuring additional resources are in place, our Social Workers have genuinely manageable caseloads, to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children, young people and their families.
Qualifications
- You will be Social Work qualified, registered with Social Work England and you will have substantial post qualifying experience of practice with children, families and their carers.
- Significant experience working within a pressurised children’s social work environment.
- Knowledge of relevant up to date social work legislation, statutory guidance, theories and research and how it impacts on practice.
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills, to enable you build strong relationships with children, young people and their families / carers, as well as wider partners and voluntary agencies.
- A full driving licence and access to a car, though reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants, where required.
- A passion and understanding of permanence for children we care for.
Benefits
- In return, we offer the opportunity to work in a highly motivated and supportive team where your contribution will really be valued.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Family and carer friendly policies.
- Access to the local authority Pension Scheme.
- Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes, and Cycle 2 Work.
- Generous annual leave of 25 days a year plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy a further 10 days leave.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour independent, free, and confidential advice and support service.
Contact
Melissa Taylor – Team Manager – Melissa.Taylor@solihull.gov.uk
Application Dates
- Closing Date: 08.06.2026
- Interview Date: 17.06.2026
This post will require an enhanced DBS and barring list check. This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively. Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner/have access to a suitable vehicle however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Advanced Practitioner - Children We Care For employer: WMJobs
At Solihull Council, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee's contribution is valued. Our commitment to manageable caseloads and professional development ensures that our Advanced Practitioners can focus on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being, Solihull Council stands out as an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner - Children We Care For
✨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 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 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 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 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 Advanced Practitioner - Children We Care For
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to 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 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.
