Role: Senior Practitioner
Location: Medway
Team: Childrens Team
Pay: Up to £48,695
Contract: Permanent/ Full-time
About Us
Medway’s Children’s Services is committed to improving the lives of children and families through the delivery of high-quality social work practice. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Practitioner to join our dynamic Children’s Team. In this vital role, you will lead by example, providing expert guidance to your colleagues while working directly with children, young people, and families to ensure their needs are met and outcomes are achieved.
Role Overview
As a Senior Practitioner in the Children’s Team, you will manage a complex caseload while offering professional support and guidance to less experienced social workers. You will play a key role in promoting best practice across the team, ensuring that children and families receive timely and effective interventions. This role is perfect for a social worker who is ready to take the next step in their career, combining casework with leadership responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload, including children in need, child protection, and looked-after children, ensuring that all interventions meet statutory requirements and are child-centred.
- Provide mentoring, support, and guidance to junior social workers and newly qualified practitioners, helping them develop their skills and confidence.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency professionals, including health, education, and legal services, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families.
- Chair meetings and reviews, contributing to case conferences, strategy discussions, and court proceedings as required.
- Ensure that assessments, care plans, and reports are completed to a high standard, reflecting the needs, views, and wishes of children and families.
- Participate in reflective supervision and ongoing professional development, staying up-to-date with the latest research, policies, and legislation.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the service by identifying areas for development and sharing best practice.
Requirements
- Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) and Social Work England registration.
- Extensive post-qualification experience in children’s social care, with a track record of managing complex cases.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, including safeguarding, child protection, and family law.
- Excellent communication, assessment, and decision-making skills.
- Proven ability to mentor and support colleagues, with a commitment to developing others.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing demands effectively.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of up to £48,695.
- Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Regular supervision and peer support within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
- Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Access to comprehensive training and development opportunities.
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Our success comes from making your job search our top priority. Interested in learning more about the Senior Practitioner role in Medway? Contact Holly Chupka at 01635 226350.
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