Senior Practitioner – Children and Young People with Disabilities

Howard Finley; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Relocation assistance

Car allowance

Pension

Job summary

Howard Finley is recruiting a Senior Practitioner – Children and Young People with Disabilities to join a dedicated specialist team in Kent. You will manage a complex caseload, lead assessments, and mentor colleagues to deliver high-quality social work practice.

This permanent, full-time role offers hybrid working (minimum two days in the office), a generous package including relocation support, car allowance, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people with disabilities, ideally in a specialist disability team.
• Strong assessment and report-writing skills; advocacy experience valued.
• Experience supporting transition to adulthood and preparation for adulthood.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding processes.
• Full UK driving licence and access to vehicle for business use.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of children and young people with disabilities, including transition cases.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments, care planning, reviews and safeguarding interventions.
• Support young people preparing for adulthood and transition into Adult Social Care.
• Collaborate with education, health, SEND and adult social care professionals.
• Represent families in multi-agency meetings and resource panels; advocate for services.
• Provide coaching and practice guidance to Social Workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers.

Skills

Disabilities experience

ASYE

Assessment skills

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Location: Kent

Salary: £47,435 – £52,920 per annum, plus additional allowances

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum two days per week in the office)

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced and passionate Children's Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career?

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Practitioner – Children and Young People with Disabilities to join a dedicated specialist team supporting children and young people aged 0–18 with disabilities.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in promoting high-quality social work practice, managing complex cases and achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.

You will manage a complex caseload while supporting the Team Manager in delivering high-quality assessments, interventions and support plans. You will also provide guidance, mentoring and practice support to colleagues across the service.

You will play an important role in advocating for children and young people at resource allocation panels, health panels and multi-agency meetings to ensure they receive appropriate support and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of children and young people with disabilities, including transition cases.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments, care planning, reviews and safeguarding interventions.
• Support children and young people preparing for adulthood and transitioning into Adult Social Care.
• Work collaboratively with education, health, SEND and adult social care professionals.
• Represent and advocate for children and families at multi-agency meetings and resource allocation panels.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and practice guidance to Social Workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers.
• Support the Team Manager in maintaining high standards of social work practice.
• Promote relationship-based, strengths-based and evidence-informed practice.
• Ensure children and young people receive appropriate support to meet their individual needs.

About You

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW, PGC in Social Work or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Successful completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• A minimum of two years' post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
• Experience working with children and young people with disabilities, ideally within a specialist disability team.
• Strong assessment, analytical, report-writing and advocacy skills.
• Experience supporting young people through transition and preparation for adulthood.
• Knowledge of transition planning from Children's Services into Adult Social Care.
• Understanding and experience of Mental Capacity Assessments and the Court of Protection Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) processes.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Experience working collaboratively with SEND services, health professionals and wider multi-agency partners.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business purposes.

Salary and Benefits

• Basic salary of £47,435 – £52,920 per annum, depending on experience.
• Additional market allowance of £6,000 per annum.
• Annual retention payment of £3,000, subject to eligibility and service requirements.
• Potential total earnings of up to £61,920 per annum.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of up to 30 days, plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Essential car user allowance, with the option of a lease car after six months.
• Relocation assistance of up to £8,000.
• Free on-site parking.
• Hybrid working arrangements, with a minimum of two office days per week.
• Access to professional development, training and career progression opportunities.
• Employee assistance programme and health and wellbeing support.
• Access to staff discounts and savings.
• Access to specialist social work resources and professional development support