Senior Practitioner (2 posts)

Newcastle City Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Newcastle seeks two Senior Practitioners for Children's Social Care, requiring a minimum of 3 years experience. The role involves assessments, child protection enquiries, and providing support to children and families. Candidates should be driven and dedicated to improving outcomes for children in a relational and restorative manner. The position offers flexible working options and generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Defined benefit pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience in social work.
• Commitment to child welfare and social work values.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Child and Family Assessments.
• Undertake Child Protection Enquiries.
• Provide short-term support to children in need.

Skills

Relationship building

Assessment skills

Team collaboration

Restorative practice

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Senior Practitioner – Children's Social Care Newcastle Children & Families

Grow Your Practice. Make a Difference. Thrive in Newcastle.

This isn't just another job. This is Newcastle. We're not just a local authority—we're a city with ambition, heart, and a bold vision for children. At Newcastle Children's Social Care, we're building something special: a service rooted in relationships, restorative practice, and real impact.

We've been judged Good with Outstanding areas by Ofsted (May 2025)—but we're not stopping there. We're on a mission to become a UNICEF Child‑Friendly City, and we're proud to be working towards becoming a Marmot City, tackling inequality and putting children at the centre of everything we do.

This is an exciting time to join us as we develop the Families First partnership—bringing services together to deliver earlier, more effective support for children and families. Newcastle City Council is committed to supporting Children's Social Care and additional investment has created new opportunities within our teams.

We are looking to recruit two Senior Practitioners who have a minimum of 3 years post‑qualifying experience, people who are committed to providing the best outcomes for the children in our city. You will work within our Assessment Teams within the Initial Response Service where children are first referred to Children's Social Care, you will undertake Child and Family Assessments, Child Protection Enquiries as well as provide some short‑term support to children in need.

We are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for the children in our city, and you should be too. We are looking for Senior Practitioners who are driven, ambitious and committed to working with children, young people, and their families in a relational and restorative way. We are lucky to have strong working relationships with partner agencies and we pride ourselves on our ability to work together in the best interests of children and families. So we are looking for strong team players who want to work in an environment that prioritises relationships and champions social work values.

Why Newcastle Children's Social Care?

In February 2022 Newcastle Children's Social Care was rated as GOOD across all areas by Ofsted. “Social workers are positive about working for Newcastle. They feel well supported through their induction and speak of supportive and available managers.”

We implement a relational and restorative approach across our service and city to transform how we work with children, families and partners, focusing on strengths and values.

You can hear more about what it is like to work at Newcastle and read our working principles, as well as hear first‑hand from our social workers at www.newcastle.gov.uk/csc.

Contact Laura Pallister Initial Response Service Manager on 0191 2772531.

Why we think there’s nowhere better

• A dedicated 5-day induction
• Generous annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually
• A range of flexible working options
• A generous Flexi Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential advice and support
• Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme
• Access to a home electronics scheme and vehicle leasing scheme

We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is working in regulated activity. If you are successful we will undertake additional recruitment checks which will include a check to see if you have had any criminal convictions, a check of police information and we will check the barred list(s). It is a criminal offence for a barred individual to apply for a job in regulated activity.

Apply online at www.northeastjobs.org.uk, select ‘Apply Now’ and complete our online application form. Before completing the form please ensure you read the supporting documents. Any communication sent to you regarding your application will be sent to the email address you have set up on your Northeast Jobs account, so you will need to ensure that you check your inbox.