Senior Practitioner

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge in Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team…

The Transition Team works with young people and their carers who have received support from children's services and/or who are likely to need social care support post 18. Our last SEND area local inspection identified that young people with SEND are supported well by their social care transition workers. The team is made up of Social Workers, an Assessing Officer, a Senior Practitioner and Team Manager who work closely with Children's Social Care colleagues and external partners. Our effective transition arrangements for young people include early assessment and care planning in preparation of adult social care support and beyond. The team's primary cohort are those aged 16-25, however, transitioning arrangements begin much earlier for those with the most significant needs., As the senior practitioner, you will work under the guidance of the Team Manager to ensure a consistent and effective service that delivers positive outcomes for individuals, families, and carers. You will have an excellent understanding of the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation as well an understanding of the challenges young people can experience when transitioning to adulthood, particularly where they have additional needs. This will enable you to play a pivotal role in support oversight of the team as they work with young people in preparation for adulthood. You will be highly motivated and have relevant knowledge and experience including legislation, practice and procedures.

You will take an active role to support the Team Manager in ensuring high quality practice, performance, recording, supervision, and appraisal across the team. It is essential you have excellent communication skills. Working closely with key partner agencies, you will take a lead role in identifying and supporting eligible young people as they move to Adult Social Care services.

Previous experience as a senior practitioner would be desirable although not essential. You will have a willingness to undertake relevant training and a commitment to continuous professional development. You will have experience of providing supervision and of promoting strengths-based practice. You will also be able to manage risk and be carry out safeguarding actions.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative. Please click on the following link to see what life as an adult care social worker is like www.gateshead.gov.uk/ASCsocialworkers

A bit about Gateshead Council…

Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives.

Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who are in need of support.

We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights!

You'll be paid a competitive salary starting on £42,403 up to £45,441 plus additional allowances where relevant
You'll get a generous annual leave package starting at 28 days annual leave (+ Public holidays) for new employees, rising to 32 days (+ Public holidays) after 5 years continuous local government service.
You have the opportunity to purchase up to 10 additional annual leave days per year in accordance with the council's annual leave purchase scheme.
We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so
Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take two flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme
We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle
You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme
We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend, including O2, Virgin Media and Dell
Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme
A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:

"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela