Children's AP - C&F Help & Protect Team - Somerset

Caritas Recruitment; Shepton Mallet; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join the Children and Families Help and Protection Team. You will manage a complex caseload, complete assessments, undertake direct work with children, and develop plans to safeguard and promote welfare.

You will provide guidance to social workers, contribute to reflective practice, QA, and cross-agency collaboration with schools, health professionals, police and others to coordinate interventions and ensure positive

Qualifications

• Must hold recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience in statutory children’s social work, including child protection and care planning.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make balanced decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload under child in need and child protection.
• Complete high-quality assessments and direct work with children.
• Develop and review safeguarding plans and respond to concerns.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to social workers.
• Prepare clear reports for meetings and court as required.

Skills

Advanced practitioner

Social work

Child protection

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available for a qualified social worker to join a Children and Families Help and Protection Team as an Advanced Practitioner. This role is suited to an experienced professional who is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, promoting their welfare and ensuring that their voices remain central to all decisions.

You will manage a complex caseload involving children and families requiring support under child in need and child protection arrangements. Your responsibilities will include completing high-quality assessments, undertaking effective direct work with children, developing and reviewing plans, and responding promptly to safeguarding concerns. You will work in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and local procedures, maintaining accurate, timely case records and producing clear reports for meetings and court proceedings where required.

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will provide advice, guidance and support to social workers and contribute to reflective practice, quality assurance and the development of effective services. You will work collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals, police and other partner agencies to coordinate interventions, manage risk and identify sustainable solutions. The role may also involve supporting students, newly qualified social workers and colleagues through mentoring, coaching and shared learning.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You will have substantial experience of statutory children’s social work, including child protection, assessments, care planning and multi-agency working. A sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, relevant frameworks and evidence-based practice is essential, together with the ability to analyse complex information and make balanced, defensible decisions.

You will need excellent communication, organisation and report-writing skills, alongside resilience and a commitment to continuous professional development. A valid driving licence and the ability to travel within the service area may be required. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, empathy and a strengths-based approach, while maintaining a clear focus on safety, permanence and positive outcomes for children.