SEND Senior Practitioner

Borough of Waltham Forest; Greater London; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Greater London is looking for a Senior Practitioner to join their Children with Disabilities Specialist team. This role involves delivering high-quality practice with children and families, managing complex cases, and supporting junior social workers. A successful candidate will have at least two years of social work experience and a strong understanding of child protection legislation. The position offers a full-time contract with a competitive salary range and a retention bonus of £3000.

Benefits

Retention bonus

Commitment to professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years post-qualifying experience in children and families settings.
• Demonstrable knowledge of child protection and legislation.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, relationship-based practice.
• Support and mentor junior social workers.
• Manage complex cases and conduct risk assessments.
• Prepare and present Court reports.

Skills

Social work experience

Child protection knowledge

Teamwork

Effective communication

Culturally sensitive delivery

Prioritization skills

Education

Qualified social worker

Job description

Job Details

Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest

Salary: PO4-PO5 49056 - 55323

Retention Bonus: £3000

Contract Type: Full‑time Permanent

Working Hours per week: 36 hours

Application Deadline: 31/01/2026

Reference: 1918

About Us

London Borough of Waltham Forest is a highly ambitious and digitally driven community focused on resident‑centred, innovative culture. As one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers, we are committed to fairness, diversity, and creating a healthy and inclusive workplace that supports professional growth and wellbeing.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join the Children with Disabilities Specialist team. This role focuses on nurturing independence and freedom of choice for children, young people, and families, while delivering high‑quality relationship‑based practice and continuous service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality, relationship‑based practice with children and families.
• Support and mentor junior social workers.
• Manage complex cases and conduct risk assessments.
• Contribute to service development and performance improvement.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Conduct assessments to determine the needs of disabled children and secure their welfare.
• Co‑design and review support plans in partnership with families and carers.
• Include other agencies and community resources to promote equality of participation.
• Prepare and present Court reports, panel papers, and Child in Need Plans.
• Apply safeguarding and quality of care procedures in line with directorate policy.
• Maximise life chances of disabled children through education, health, and leisure opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to child protection procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proven social work experience/placement in children and families setting, minimum of two years post‑qualifying experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of children in need, child protection, and looked‑after children legislation.
• Experience of culturally sensitive, multi‑cultural service delivery.
• Excellent prioritisation and pressure management skills.
• Track record of meeting key performance indicators in service management.
• Strong teamwork, clear reporting lines, and agile responses to change.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to the participation of children, young people, and families.
• Readiness to work flexible or unsocial hours if required.

Terms and Conditions

• Satisfactory employment references and identity checks.
• Declaration of interest and DBS check.
• Continued professional body registration.
• Suitable driver’s licence.
• Proficient spoken English, meeting statutory requirements.
• Safer recruitment practices required.

How to Apply

Submit an online application by pressing the Apply button, including a supporting statement outlining how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate.

Applications close early if sufficient candidates have been received. Please apply promptly.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough committed to equality of opportunity and anti‑discrimination in all employment. We work to ensure our workforce reflects the diverse communities we serve through fair, transparent recruitment practices and inclusive policies.