Senior Practitioner

My Social Work News; Rochester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A social services organization is seeking a Senior Practitioner for the Children & Young People Disability Team in Medway. This full-time position involves assessing and supporting children with disabilities and their families to ensure their wellbeing and development. Candidates should have a degree in Social Work and significant experience in children's social work, particularly with disabilities. The role offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Ongoing professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in children's social work.
• Experience working with children and young people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of UK legislation including Children Act and Equality Act.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children with disabilities.
• Develop person-centred care plans and support packages.
• Liaise with families and agencies for coordinated service provision.
• Monitor and review care plans regularly.
• Ensure safety and protection of children with disabilities.

Skills

Strong communication

Assessment

Report writing

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Education

A degree or diploma in Social Work

Job description

Job Title: Senior Practitioner – Children & Young People Disability Team
Location: Medway, Kent
Salary: £52,647 – £57,695 per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people? Do you have the expertise to provide exceptional support and guidance to children in care, ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and development? If you’re an experienced Senior Practitioner looking for your next rewarding opportunity, this role in Medway could be the perfect fit for you.

The role involves providing support and interventions to children and young people with disabilities, and their families, to ensure they receive the appropriate care and services to promote independence and enhance their quality of life. The successful candidate will work with a diverse caseload, conduct assessments, develop care plans, and work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and young people with disabilities, considering their physical, emotional, and social needs.
• Develop and implement person-centred care plans and support packages that promote independence, inclusion, and well-being.
• Liaise with families, carers, healthcare professionals, schools, and other agencies to ensure coordinated and effective service provision.
• Provide advice, support, and advocacy for children, young people, and their families, helping them navigate the services available to them.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings, including child protection conferences, team around the child (TAC) meetings, and reviews, to contribute to the planning and decision-making process.
• Support children and young people with disabilities in accessing education, social activities, and community resources, ensuring their needs are met in an inclusive environment.
• Monitor and review care plans regularly, adjusting interventions as necessary to reflect changing needs and circumstances.
• Ensure that all assessments and interventions are undertaken in line with relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Children and Families Act 2014, and the Equality Act 2010.
• Promote safeguarding and ensure the safety and protection of children and young people with disabilities, escalating concerns when required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in accordance with local authority and statutory requirements.

Requirements of the Senior Practitioner

• Qualification: A degree or diploma in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience: Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social work, particularly working with children and young people with disabilities. Experience of complex casework, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and preparing reports for multi-agency meetings is essential.
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of relevant UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Children and Families Act 2014, and the Equality Act 2010. Knowledge of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) legislation and frameworks is highly desirable.
• Skills: Strong communication, assessment, and report writing skills. Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment and manage a diverse caseload.
• Other: A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing professional development, including training and support for career progression.
• A supportive work environment with regular supervision and team development opportunities.