Senior Practitioner - 16+ Care Leavers Service

Medway Food Partnership; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market allowance £6,000 per annum

Retention payment £3,000 per annum

Hybrid working

Generous leave 30 days + BH

Job summary

Medway Council is recruiting a Senior Practitioner for the 16+ Care Leavers Service. You will lead on high-quality case advice, support the team manager, and guide colleagues in relationship-based practice with care leavers on their journey to independence.

You will bring strong post-qualifying experience, driving licence, and ability to contribute to training and development, including assessing risk and safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England and recognised social work qualification.
• 3 years’ post-qualifying experience in children’s services.
• Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small and complex caseload of 16+ care leavers in care.
• Provide leadership and practice guidance to colleagues.
• Support pathway planning and transition arrangements.
• Chair professional meetings and contribute to multi-agency planning.

Skills

Social Work Registration

ASYE completed

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Social Work

PGC in Social Work

CQSW

DipSW

Job description

Senior Practitioner - 16+ Care Leavers Service (Ref: CSC/26/767/CD)

Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)

Department: Children’s Services

Salary: £47,435 and £52,920 per annum

Job Status: Full Time Permanent

Hours: 37 per week

Location: Elaine Centre

Working style: Mobile - Works from different locations attending meetings, conducting assessment in client’s home or business; maybe occasions where you will need to attend the office (Gun Wharf etc. address).

Closing Date: 27/10/2026

We are currently recruiting a Senior Practitioner to join our 16+ Care Leavers Service. You will support children in care aged 16+ whilst you prepare them for transition to a personal advisor at 18 and into independence. As a senior practitioner in our 16 plus Care Leavers Service you will support the team manager within the team and provide high quality case advice and guidance to colleagues focusing on the wellbeing of children in care and care experienced young people and supporting them on their journey to independence. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the learning and development of others either through acting as a Practice Assessor for students on placement, or contributing to training activities in a specialist area. You will be able to demonstrate expert and effective practice that reflects a commitment to relationship and strengths-based practice, assessing and managing higher levels of risk, including contextual harm, and working collaboratively with children, young people and their families and carers.

As a registered social worker with 3 years’ post qualifying experience, you will be expected to have knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working with children and young people and be experienced in child protection, looked after children processes and court work. You will work alongside Social Workers, Personal Advisers and partner agencies to ensure that young people receive timely, effective and ambitious support.

The role includes:

• Managing a small and complex caseload of children in care aged 16+ and care leavers.
• Providing leadership and practice guidance to colleagues.
• Supporting the development of pathway planning and transition arrangements.
• Chairing professional meetings and contributing to multi-agency planning.
• Driving high-quality assessments, plans and interventions that improve outcomes.
• Promoting young people's voices, aspirations and participation in decision making.
• Supporting practitioners to deliver strengths-based, relationship-focused practice.
• Contributing to service development and continuous improvement.

The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Childrens’ DBS check.

Our Offer

• A market allowance of £6,000 per annum (payable in 12 equal instalments)
• A retention payment of £3,000 per annum (payable in April, following 1 years service in Medway)
• A generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days plus bank holidays
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• An essential car user allowance with option to apply for a lease car after six months
• Free car parking
• Hybrid working - enabling you to work from home/office (minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office). Assessment Teams are office based for duty weeks.
• Relocation package of up to £8,000
• A range of staff benefits and discounts including access to fantastic discounts and savings on shops and services, travel discounts, health and wellbeing support, and an employee assistance service.
• Access to professional development and support including Community Care Inform.

About You

You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.

You will have successfully completed your ASYE.

You will have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (including business use for carrying passengers).

For further information on the qualifications, skills and experience required, please refer to the Job Profile and Person Specification.

Important Information Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role. For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.