Senior Practitioner

My Social Work News; Hereford; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Senior Practitioner to join their Children in Care Team in Hereford. In this impactful role, you will support vulnerable children and young people, ensuring they receive the care and safeguarding they need to thrive. You will lead by example, mentoring junior staff and managing complex cases while collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams. This permanent position offers a chance to make a significant difference in the lives of those in care, with a commitment to professional development and a supportive work environment. If you are passionate about social work and want to contribute to meaningful change, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification required.
• Significant experience in children's social care, particularly in safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseloads and develop care plans for children in care.
• Lead the preparation of court reports and provide mentoring to junior social workers.

Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Organisational Skills

Case Management

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Social Work

BA Social Work

MA Social Work

DipSW

CQSW

Tools

DBS Clearance

Job description

Job Title: Senior Practitioner – Children in Care Team
Location: Hereford
Salary: £44,513 – £48,693 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Role Overview:

In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting children and young people who are in care, ensuring they receive the appropriate care, support, and safeguarding to help them thrive. As a Senior Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to lead by example, mentor junior social workers, and take a lead in case management, ensuring that care plans are effectively implemented. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of children in care, ensuring that each child’s needs are assessed, and appropriate care plans are developed, implemented, and regularly reviewed.
• Work with children, families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the care provided aligns with each child’s needs and best interests.
• Lead the preparation of court reports and attend court hearings as necessary to represent the child’s interests and ensure the safeguarding of their welfare.
• Provide mentoring and support to less experienced social workers, offering advice, guidance, and case supervision.
• Ensure junior team members are supported in managing their caseloads and developing professionally.
• Ensure children in care are safeguarded, and risks to their well-being are effectively identified and managed.
• Participate in child protection conferences and work closely with other agencies to ensure effective safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Oversee and contribute to the development of comprehensive care plans for children in care, ensuring the child’s voice is heard in all aspects of planning.
• Ensure timely reviews of care plans are completed, and services are adjusted as needed to meet evolving needs.

Requirements of the Senior Practitioner:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work (e.g., BA Social Work, MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW)
• Registration with Social Work England
• Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, particularly in safeguarding and child protection.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Children Act 1989.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases and provide professional leadership.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to undertake one).

Please note: This job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client.

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