Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Luton Borough Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Luton is seeking an exceptional social worker for the role of CP Lead Practitioner. In this pivotal position, you will manage complex child protection cases, mentor colleagues, and influence child safeguarding practices. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in child protection, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills. This role offers flexible working and a generous benefits package.

Benefits

25 to 32 days' annual leave

Buying annual leave scheme

Career development pathways

Generous pension scheme

Relocation package

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and support access

Staff discounts and offers

Flexible working options

Social events for staff

Qualifications

• Significant experience in child protection and legal proceedings.
• Proven track record supervising teams.
• Ability to work flexibly and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the go-to specialist for child protection.
• Manage a caseload of complex child protection cases.
• Chair multi-agency meetings focused on child welfare.

Skills

Child protection expertise

Conflict resolution

Communication

Multi-agency collaboration

Leadership and influencing

Job description

This position is available as a secondment opportunity for 6 months. If you are a permanent LBC employee, you must have written approval from your manager prior to applying and a copy will need to be submitted with your application.

We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced social worker to join us as a CP Lead Practitioner - a pivotal role at the heart of safeguarding and child protection in our community. As our CP Lead Practitioner, you will be the recognised expert in complex child protection cases, using your in-depth knowledge, professional authority, and multi-agency experience to ensure children at risk of significant harm are safeguarded and supported.

This role offers you the opportunity to not only hold and manage your own complex caseload, but also to mentor and guide less experienced colleagues, shaping the quality and direction of our child protection work.

What You'll Do

• Lead by example as the go-to specialist for child protection within the team and across partner agencies.
• Manage a caseload of complex, high-risk child protection cases.
• Co-work with and support social workers and other staff, enhancing decision-making in safeguarding processes.
• Chair key multi-agency meetings, ensuring that every voice is heard and outcomes are focused on the best interests of the child.
• Work collaboratively with Children's Services, external agencies, and community partners to deliver joined-up, effective support.
• Influence service development by contributing to policies, new initiatives, and national best practice.
• Champion Restorative Practice and embed it in daily practice and decision-making.
• Keep up to date with legislation, practice developments, and Social Work England requirements.

Requirements

• Significant experience and professional credibility in child protection work, including substantial experience supporting looked after children, foster carers, and children on child protection plans.
• A proven track record in managing complex legal proceedings and supervising teams.
• Strong skills in conflict resolution, communication, and multi-agency collaboration.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of child care legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
• Confidence in leading, influencing, and chairing high-level meetings.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as required.
• Fluency in spoken English.

About Us

Luton Council has been selected to deliver the government's Families First for Children Pathfinder programme. Luton is one of seven new areas in the second wave to be chosen with the aim of protecting vulnerable children from harm and improving services to help more children stay with their families in safe and loving homes.

Benefits

• From 25 to 32 days' annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible.
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
• Friday Funday Socials - One Friday every 2 months where we encourage our staff to get together to socialise after work