Senior Practitioner - West Kent Children in Care Team

Kent County Council; West Malling; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council in Kent seeks a Senior Practitioner for the West Kent Children in Care Team. This hybrid role involves managing complex cases and supporting social workers in delivering excellent services to children. The successful candidate will have a degree in social work and substantial experience, with opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Excellent LA pension scheme

£8,000 relocation package

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience working with children and families.
• In-depth understanding of legislative and policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of up to 15 complex cases.
• Provide high-quality social work to Children in Care and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking children.

Skills

Team Player

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

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Senior Practitioner - West Kent Children in Care Team

Role Responsibility

We offer a competitive basic salary between £45,672 and £51,489 depending on your experience (plus £3,000pa retention scheme & £2,000 car allowance). There is potential to earn up to £56,489 per year. Additionally, there is an £8,000 relocation package (subject to eligibility) and an excellent LA pension scheme.

We are the right team, at the right time and in the right place.

The right team

Success for children in Kent depends on teamwork. We celebrate our Senior Practitioners who foster a culture of excellence and collaboration, empowering social workers to be creative, share ideas, and seek advice.

Our managers are supportive and provide regular, quality supervision. We have credible expert practitioners who are approachable and eager to help. Sharing knowledge is core to our culture. Together, our teams deliver improved services and outcomes for children.

The right time

Now is an excellent time to join us. We've invested in our services and in outstanding people committed to improving young lives in Kent.

The right place

With an Ofsted rating of Outstanding, we continue to develop excellent services, ensuring 'Children are at the centre of Kent County Council's culture and practice' (Ofsted 2022). As one of the largest Children's Social Work Services in the country, we offer a comprehensive learning and development framework. We tailor opportunities to individual and team needs.

Kent's diversity offers varied opportunities to support children and young people from all backgrounds. You can work across different locations and environments, and be seconded or transferred to other teams. You will also have opportunities to develop professionally, build your specialist practice, and handle high-profile cases. You will champion good practice, set performance expectations, and act as a Practice Assessor for ASYE and student social workers if needed. You can contribute through fieldwork, court attendance, case audits, reviews, and chairing complex meetings. You will also participate in working groups and multi-agency forums to develop new initiatives.

About the role

The role is based at Kings Hill, West Malling, within the West Kent Children in Care Service. West Kent includes Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling, and Maidstone. This is a hybrid role offering a good work-life balance.

The successful candidate will manage a caseload of up to 15 complex cases and support a team of Social Workers providing high-quality social work to Children in Care and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking children aged 0-18, including care proceedings.

Your responsibilities include managing complex cases involving assessment, planning, and evaluation to safeguard and promote children's welfare. You will help maintain professional standards, develop specialist practice areas, offer expert advice, supervise unqualified staff, and support your Team Manager to improve performance.

About you

You must hold a degree in social work, CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent, and be registered with Social Work England. You should have substantial post-qualification experience working with children and families. You will work within the Kent Practice Framework, have an in-depth understanding of legislative and policy frameworks, and be willing to learn and develop. Being a team player is essential.

This role requires mobility across Kent and possibly beyond, including transporting children and belongings, often in rural areas with limited public transport. A Full UK Driving Licence is required. The council is committed to reasonable adjustments for disabilities. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and registration with Social Work England. It is a customer-facing position, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient spoken English/Welsh skills as per the standards.

Contact Details

For more information or to discuss the role, contact Paul Meggitt, Service Manager, at 03000 410193 or [e-mail].

About the Company

We offer flexible working arrangements! KCC is committed to a diverse workforce reflecting the community. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and abilities and aim to create an inclusive workplace.

Note: Apply promptly as the closing date may be earlier if sufficient qualified candidates apply.