Lead Safeguarding Practitioner (Complex Child Protection)

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Health & wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

County Hall Taunton

Annual leave 30 days

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to lead complex safeguarding and child protection work, overseeing care planning and permanence for vulnerable children. You will provide specialist guidance, support social workers, and collaborate with partners across Health, Education and Police to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice.

You will manage demanding caseloads, make sound professional judgments, mentor colleagues, chair key meetings, and contribute

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Experience managing complex caseloads of children and families.
• Excellent assessment, analysis, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to mentor colleagues and supervise students where needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex safeguarding, child protection, permanence and care planning cases.
• Provide expert guidance and challenge to frontline social workers.
• Complete advanced assessments and identify risks and needs.
• Chair meetings, review plans and drive service improvement.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to safeguard children.
• Support team manager and contribute to leadership.

Skills

Social work expertise

Safeguarding knowledge

Leadership

Mentoring

Case management

Education

Social Work England registration

Job description

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to lead complex safeguarding and child protection work, overseeing care planning and permanence for vulnerable children. You will provide specialist guidance, support social workers, and collaborate with partners across Health, Education and Police to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice.

You will manage demanding caseloads, make sound professional judgments, mentor colleagues, chair key meetings, and contribute