Job Number, HCC26014, Hatfield, Childrens Services, Permanent, Full TimeClosing Date11-Aug-2024
Job Title: Senior Practitioner
Salary: £40,221 progressing to £44,428per annum PLUS additional starting market enhancement of £6,243 progressing to £6,084 per annum + £1k one off welcome payment (external candidates only) - Pay Increase pending
Hours: 37.0
About the team
Our team works closely with the JCPIT police in dealing with referrals where criminal investigations may be needed. We support vulnerable children and families across Hertfordshire. JCPIT is a fast-paced team working primarily in Section 47.
Our focus is on safeguarding children who may be at risk of physical and sexual abuse, and criminal neglect.
Our vision is to ensure that every child in Hertfordshire grows up in a safe environment, protected from harm. Our goal is to provide timely and effective responses to child protection concerns, working collaboratively with other agencies.
About the role
The role of a Senior Practitioner is to collaborate with the police in supporting families where children are at risk of significant harm. The goal is to bring cases to a satisfactory conclusion while operating within the bounds of relevant legislation.
Responsibilities include managing a caseload and promptly addressing urgent situations, primarily focusing on Joint Section 47 Child Protection Enquiries (as defined by the Children Act 1989 and 2004).
Your tasks will involve conducting Children and Families Assessments and participating in court proceedings, demonstrating a strong commitment to keeping children within their homes or families whenever it is safe to do so.
As a Senior Practitioner, you will join an existing team comprising of a Team Manager, 2 Consultant Social Workers, 2 Children's Practitioners, 1 Child Advice Information Officers (CAIO), 3 Senior Practitioners and 1 Business Support.
You will be attending CP and SARC medicals with the health team and pre-assessments with the JCPIT police colleagues.
You will be completing safety plan with the oversight of JCPIT Team manager and police.
It is expected that you will be on duty rota which may require you to work beyond 5.30pm. On duty days you are required to be in the office.
About you
Essential:
- Qualifications and Experience: Be a qualified and registered Social Worker with a minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience.
- Successful Vetting Process: Pass the police vetting process.
- Flexibility: Be willing to work outside of office hours when necessary.
- Passion for Child Welfare: Demonstrate a strong passion for working with children and their families, ensuring that children can reach their full potential.
- Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to cultural diversity and an ability to work effectively with families from various backgrounds.
- Calm and Impartial: Exhibit the ability to handle urgent and often difficult situations while maintaining a calm and impartial demeanour.
- Commitment to Best Practices: Be driven by leading by example and embedding best practices in children's safeguarding.
- Effective Communication: Comfortably and confidently communicate with a wide variety of internal and external partners, including police, schools, health professionals, and families.
Desirable:
- Advanced Case Management Skills: Experience in managing complex cases involving child protection, risk assessment, and multi-agency collaboration.
- Knowledge of Local Services: Familiarity with local resources, community services, and support networks for families and children.
- Evidence-Based Practice: A commitment to evidence-based approaches, staying informed about research and best practices in child welfare.
- Training and Continuous Learning: Willingness to participate in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development related to child safeguarding.
- Advocacy Skills: Advocating for children's rights and well-being within legal and ethical boundaries.
This job role is within the Health and Social Care Services, level HCC11 job profile
This unique opportunity allows you to collaborate closely with the Police and partners, ensuring the safety of children in Hertfordshire.
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll embrace rewarding challenges that truly make a difference. Our role offers excellent career development prospects, empowering you to take the next steps in your professional journey.
You'll play a fundamental role in effecting positive change, safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their well-being. Join us, make an impact, and thrive in our supportive environment!
Interview Date: w/c 19th August
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required
You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).