At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the development of social work students and newly qualified social workers.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to building a skilled and valued workforce.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, training opportunities, and paid registration fees.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in adult social care while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with Practice Educator status and 2+ years experience.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Walsall Council is seeking experienced Social Workers who are qualified Practice Educators and have a passion for developing the social work workforce, supporting students, apprentices, and newly qualified social workers on the ASYE programme.
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.
- You will be expected to engage in regional PE CPD development opportunities through the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership and other forums.
- You will be expected to take the lead in monthly PE forums and share your learning with other PEs, ensuring PEs maintain their currency and CPD requirements.
- You will also be expected to 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.
- You will be the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) coordinator responsible for the delivery of the ASYE scheme in Adult Social Care, including communication with senior managers and local partners, ensuring support and training are in place for both the NQSWs and supervisors or assessors, and engagement with the ASYE regional moderation panel.
- You will lead and oversee the social work degree apprentices, ensuring practice education, support, and training are in place for our apprentices.
- You will represent Adult Social Care within the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership, attending Regional Meetings and work streams.
- You will lead on the assurance of the application of the Post-Qualifying Standards for Social Work Practice Supervisors in Adult Social Care.
- You will 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.
This position requires you to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English, as per the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. 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: WMJobs
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its workforce, offering a supportive environment for experienced Social Workers to thrive. With access to additional training, hybrid working options, and a commitment to continuous professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in Adult Social Care while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us in shaping the future of social work and be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters 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 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 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 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.
