Child Protection Lead Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; Andover; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking an experienced Social Worker for a transformative role in Child Protection. This position offers the opportunity to manage complex cases, mentor colleagues, and engage with a variety of stakeholders to support families. The role provides outstanding support, flexible working options, and career development opportunities, making it an ideal next step for your social work career.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Health Assured's Employee Assistance Programme

Relocation assistance up to £8,500

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Significant experience working in child protection.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases.
• Mentor and support colleagues to enhance their skills.
• Engage with stakeholders to advocate for children's needs.

Skills

Experience with children and families

Mentoring less experienced practitioners

Building trust and engaging with families

Understanding of safeguarding

Legal frameworks knowledge

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

Embark on the next step of your Social Work career with a transformative role in Child Protection. As part of a network of Lead Practitioners, you’ll be guided by strategic leadership and united by a shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.

What you’ll do:

• Take charge of a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases, ensuring families receive the right interventions and support.
• Offer expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues, enhancing their professional growth and boosting team effectiveness.
• Confidently chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for the needs of children and families.
• Collaborate with external partners, including various agencies and stakeholders, to provide comprehensive support for families.
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Significant experience working with children and families, particularly in child protection and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners whilst role modelling best practice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and in-depth knowledge of the legal frameworks and professional issues underpinning child protection and social work practice.
• Highly skilled in building trust and engaging with families. Able to listen, negotiate, and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Why join us?

• Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working: Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back-office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Ready to take the next step?

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Child Protection Social Worker, Senior Safeguarding Social Worker, Lead Social Worker – Child Protection, Senior Children’s Services Practitioner, Senior Family Support Social Worker.