Jobs

Are you passionate about making a difference to our children and families in Wakefield? Then, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team.

About the Role:

The Senior Practitioner is responsible for supporting the team manager in leading a team of practitioners to deliver a high quality early help service. The role includes some case holding, line management and supporting staff to manage complex cases to reduce risk, provide support and make positive change for children and young people. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the team manager to deliver an early help service in central Wakefield
• Line managing staff
• Supporting team development
• Managing data and performance within the team
• Providing management cover in the absence of the team manager, supported by other team managers
• Mentoring staff and students
• Holding a reduced caseload
• Attending multi agency meetings

What will be expected from me?

• To work with families and partner agencies to provide a high level of support and reduces adverse factors and risk for children and young people
• To line manage, support and mentor staff and students who are case holding
• To train and upskill staff and students
• To contribute to and lead team meetings
• To attend regular senior practioner meetings and team manager meetings periodically
• To cover the manager in their absence, to manage the team and cover any meetings
• To support the team to adjust to the expectations of the social care reforms currently underway

Essential requirements:

• Recognised Level 5 or Degree Level qualification in a related field or a professional qualification in a relevant discipline e.g. social care, health, education, police, probation, youth work.
• Or the ability to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and skill gained through relevant experience and employment.
• Evidence of maintaining skill and knowledge base in professional field through post qualifying training or awards.
• This post will require the ability to travel around the district. A full driving licence is required (unless unable to drive through disability). Candidates not meeting this requirement would need to fulfil the requirements of the role by other means
• A substantial understanding of the research base in reducing adverse outcomes for children, young people and families. 
• A thorough understanding of the principles that support and promote the wellbeing of children, young people and families.
• Substantial knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development.
• A thorough understanding of the legislative and policy framework that underpins work with children, young people and families. 
• Knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice and how this informs service delivery.
• Knowledge of the impact of parental difficulties and factors in family stress on the child’s health, development and wellbeing at different stages during childhood and adolescence.
• A thorough understanding of the key principles of effective multi-agency and partnership working.
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities of other professionals and how they contribute to effective early help services for children and families.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of statutory guidance, legislation and current policy relating to safeguarding.
• An understanding of the principles of effective supervision of staff.
• A detailed knowledge of the principles of quality assurance and audit.
• A good understanding of the barriers that certain groups experience in accessing services and support. 
• Thorough understanding of the principles of effective safeguarding in working with children, young people and families.
• Substantial experience of working directly with children, young people and families in a relevant setting.
• Experience of being part of leading a team in the design and delivery of support services for children, young people and families. 
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting, drawing on the strengths of agencies in the contribution they can make to improving positive outcomes for young people. 
• Experience of guiding advising and supervising staff, students / trainees/volunteers in direct work and in supporting their professional development.
• Experience of evaluating and reviewing delivery and performance against set targets and operating within a performance management framework.
• Experience of involving children, young people and families in the design, delivery and review of services.
• A thorough and detailed knowledge and understanding of information sharing and confidentiality policies and guidance

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Sarah Cooper

Tel: 07917 121809

E-mail: sarahcooper@wakefield.gov.uk

Company: Wakefield Council

Salary: £42,839.00 - £46,142.00, grade 10

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sector: Health and Social Care

Sector: Health

Sector: Safeguarding

Job Role: Support Worker