This advert covers TWO Full-Time, Permanent Senior Practitioner positions across North East Derbyshire. Please indicate your preference on your application form, including if you wish to express an interested in one or both positions: –
Please Note: Both Senior Practitioner roles are to be interviewed at the same time. The START Senior Practitioner position is a 5 in 7 post, although currently the role works Monday – Friday; there may be a requirement for a 7-day service in the future. Both teams are highly supportive and operate on a largely agile, flexible basis across the community of North East Derbyshire.
This is a great opportunity for two experienced and qualified Social Workers to continue or start your journey as a Senior Practitioner (skilled Occupational Therapist to be considered for NED START). You would be joining a friendly, community-based team of Social Care Practitioners and Social Workers. Reporting to the Service Manager, you will be able to evidence an ability to supervise social care staff (alongside OT’s depending on your qualification and Team). You will take a lead on professional practice as part of day-to-day operations, including welcoming New Starters and ASYEs. The ability to identify training and development needs through Peer Group Supervision is vital and will include monitoring and developing professional ‘best practice’ standards to promote a learning culture for continuous improvement.
As a Senior Practitioner you will lead by example and ensure that Social Workers and Social Care Practitioners deliver high quality statutory social care services from transitions to adults over the age of 18 promoting home first, reablement approaches. You will be actively involved in complex case management, including court work, chairing meetings, risk assessments and offering support and advice to highlight professional curiosity across the team. You will assist line managers to gather data for the production of management reports, case audits and regular review meetings and case discussions. Part of the role includes deputising for the Service Manager when required, where there is support available whilst building confidence under these circumstances, including attending care act assurance meetings, reviewing assessments and support plans to ensure timely, cost effective, strength-based assessments.
Our teams work in integrated, multi professional contexts, where you will need to be able to demonstrate strong leadership abilities to work alongside others, including times where there may be professional challenge to foster a positive work environment. This includes the development of resources and networks with relevant community partners to improve service delivery, resources and shared knowledge.
Part of the role includes the oversight and triage of new referrals, including safeguarding’s and complex casework, including overseeing Duty. Please Note: NED currently has a separate Duty team who oversee Duty, though this may be subject to change, where at times there may be the need to support, cover and oversee Duty alongside line managers. There are also times where area support is required across North East Derbyshire.
The successful candidate will be able to work autonomously, with accountability and accurate recording keeping to progress overall case management. Candidates should have an interest in championing roles alongside excellent knowledge of Safeguarding, The Care Act 2014, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including for NED (North) skills in court work, COP-DOLs, 21a challenges, alongside awareness of Learning Disabilities and Autism, Extra Care and Supported Living, s117 and other panels.
Ideally, you will also hold Practice Educator qualifications or express an interest in completing the relevant training to undertake mentoring and supervision task, i.e. PE1 and PE2. It is important to promote your own and team CPD and Wellbeing as part of regular supervision and developing skills for work-life balance key to the role.
Derbyshire County Council is a fantastic place to work with friendly, supportive teams, access to training and a wealth of other benefits such as our flexi working scheme. You will have a minimum of monthly 1:1 supervision and plenty of opportunities for informal support with both your team, peers and line managers. We promote an environment that encourages reflection, individual and organisational learning, where we value sharing knowledge, championing roles and helping each other thrive in our everyday practice as part of a holistic, learning culture.
If you require any further information, please contact eva.white@derbyshire.gov.uk (NED North Service Manager) / Teresa.Bateman@derbyshire.gov.uk (NED START Service Manager)
Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 19/05/2025
Please Note: – Only candidates registered with Social Work England will be shortlisted (OT candidates to be registered with HCPC.). Please read the comprehensive job description attached to this advertisement.
