Job Introduction
We’re Milton Keynes City Council, and we’re dedicated to making a real difference for our communities.
Our Children’s Services team provides vital support to children, young people and families, helping them stay safe and thrive.
As a Senior Practitioner, you’ll bring your expertise to some of the most complex cases, mentor colleagues and contribute to service development.
This is a rewarding role where you’ll work closely with families and professionals to improve outcomes for children.
You’ll also benefit from additional payments applicable to this role, including market supplements and allowances, alongside our excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave
This is a site-based role
Interviews for this role will be held on 4 February
Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk
Main Responsibility
- Take responsibility for complex cases and provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues.
- Deliver effective social work assessments, care planning and interventions for children and young people.
- Supervise and support social workers, assistants and students to ensure high standards of practice.
- Resolve complex case management issues in partnership with the Team Manager.
- Lead on service development projects and contribute to partnership working across Children’s Services.
- Represent the council in complex legal proceedings, including preparing statements and giving evidence in court.
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who shares our values: Dedicated, Respectful and Collaborative.
- You’ll be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England and bring significant experience in children’s social care.
- Hold a recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, Degree in Social Work or equivalent).
- Specialist knowledge of childcare legislation, policy and research.
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal – with the ability to challenge and problem-solve.
- Able to manage complex family dynamics and develop robust care plans.
- Flexible and resilient, with the ability to work under pressure and be on call for emergencies
To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If you’re offered the position, we’ll ask for proof of your licence and vehicle insurance, including business use cover. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to confirm your appointment without these documents.
If you’re offered the role, we’ll arrange an Enhanced DBS check as part of our pre-employment process (unless you’re already registered with the DBS Update Service).
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
