Senior Hub Practitioner | Children's Residential Service - SPACE Hubs | Multiple Locations

Lancashire County Council; Morecambe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Morecambe is looking for a qualified leader to head a team supporting children with complex needs. The role involves developing care plans, mentoring staff, and ensuring safe practices for children in care. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in social care, management skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. Benefits include generous annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible Working arrangements

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Free parking

Extensive training programme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
• Confident in leading shifts and managing a team.
• Ability to implement care plans and promote education.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of Hub Practitioners.
• Champion the care and development of children with complex needs.
• Take a central role in inspections and safeguarding.

Skills

Leadership skills

Risk management

Mentoring

Understanding of children's legislation

Emotional support

Education

QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in relevant field

Tools

Full UK Drivers Licence

Job description

Here is the initial paragraph about rota and about SPACE hubs.

Core Services

• Diversion from care - offering immediate and preventative support to help families stay together.
• Reunification - supporting children in care to return safely to their families.
• Stabilisation of care arrangements - strengthening existing care arrangements including SGO, foster care and more to prevent unplanned endings
• Tailored support - enhancing our Pause and Reflect care arrangements and the 16/17 year old homeless protocol.

Our teams work flexibly and responsively - delivering support directly to children, young people and their parents/carers, both individually and as family units. Group work is also a key feature, helping to build resilience and shared understanding. Support is delivered in the community, from our specially designed hubs, and within family homes. For families needing additional help, we also offer overnight planned breaks, available on both an emergency and scheduled basis. The SPACE hubs represent a significant step forward in our commitment to early intervention, family preservation and care stability.

Responsibilities

You will lead and support a team of Hub Practitioners, champion the care, safety, and development of children with complex needs, help to implement care plans, promote education, and support emotional well‑being. You will also take a central role in inspections, safeguarding, and care planning, while being a role model for best practice, integrity, and compassion. You will support young people and families who have greater vulnerabilities and needs. You will be responsible for leading, motivating, and supervising a team of practitioners during overnight duties, both during the week and at weekends.

Qualifications

• Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
• Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field.
• Full UK Drivers Licence and access to own vehicle.
• Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
• Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave allocation, 25 days (rising to 32 days after five years' service) plus eight days bank holidays and two extra statutory days.
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible Working arrangements.
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives including wellness programmes and other services including Occupational Health Services, Cycle to Work scheme, eyesight test contribution and our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous annual leave, maternity, paternity and adoption leave policies.
• Access to various discounts (e.g. Viv Up) on products and services, including local businesses, national retailers and car purchase schemes.
• Free parking and all meals/drinks included when on shift.
• Stable experienced management team and dedicated Head of Service.
• Extensive training programme, including funded apprenticeships up to degree level.