Senior Practitioner - Family Help and Protection Team

Opus People Solutions Limited; Walsall; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus People Solutions Limited is seeking a Senior Practitioner for the Walsall Council Family Help & Protection Team. The role focuses on safeguarding children, supporting families, and mentoring colleagues to achieve excellent outcomes.

Located at Civic Centre, Walsall, the position is hybrid with 3 office days per week and an umbrella rate of £33.30 per hour. The post requires qualified social worker status, ASYE completion, and strong court and child protection experience, with a full UK

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• ASYE completed with at least 3 years' permanent experience as a statutory Children's Social Worker.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and child protection experience.
• Experience managing complex caseloads and court work.
• Ability to mentor less experienced practitioners.
• Excellent assessment, communication and partnership-working skills.
• Experience across a broad range of children's social care responsibilities including Team Around the Family, Child Protection, Court Proceedings, Adoption, Child in Need, Safeguarding and Risk Assessment.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within a dedicated safeguarding team to assess risk, plan interventions, and protect children and families.
• Undertake complex casework across a range of statutory social work functions.
• Develop, implement, and review care and support plans that promote safety and wellbeing.
• Provide mentoring and practice guidance to less experienced social workers and newly qualified staff.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams, schools, health professionals, and external agencies to deliver coordinated support.
• Remain up to date with current legislation, policies, and best practice guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Contribute to team development and practice improvement initiatives.

Skills

Social work registration

ASYE completed

Driving licence

Safeguarding knowledge

Complex caseload management

Court work experience

Mentoring others

Job description

About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Practitioner to join a dynamic Family Help & Protection Team within Walsall Council. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Social Work professional who is passionate about safeguarding children, supporting families, and mentoring colleagues to deliver outstanding outcomes.As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in supporting vulnerable children and families, managing complex cases, and providing professional guidance within a supportive and collaborative team environment.Location: Civic Centre, Walsall, WS1 1TPRate: £33.30 per hour (Umbrella rate)Contract: Temporary - 12 monthsHours: 37 hours per weekOffice Requirements: Hybrid Working (Minimum 3 Office Days Per Week)

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within a dedicated safeguarding team to assess risk, plan interventions, and protect children and families.
• Undertake complex casework across a range of statutory social work functions.
• Develop, implement, and review effective care and support plans that promote safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
• Provide mentoring, support, and practice guidance to less experienced social workers and newly qualified staff.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams, schools, health professionals, and external agencies to deliver coordinated support.
• Remain up to date with current legislation, policies, and best practice guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Contribute to team development and practice improvement initiatives.

Casework Experience Required

About You

• Qualified Social Worker status with Social Work England registration.
• ASYE completed with at least 3 years' permanent experience as a statutory Children's Social Worker.
• A full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and child protection procedures.
• Experience of managing complex caseloads and court work.
• The ability to support and develop less experienced practitioners.
• Excellent assessment, communication, and partnership-working skills.
• Successful candidates should have experience across a broad range of children's social care responsibilities, including:
  • Team Around the Family (TAF)
  • Child Protection
  • Court Proceedings
  • Adoption Work
  • Child in Need
  • Safeguarding and Risk Assessment

We are looking for professionals who embody Walsall Council's core behaviours

• Professionalism - embracing innovation, continuous improvement, and positive change.
• Accountability - taking ownership of decisions, actions, and professional development.
• Transparency - working collaboratively and sharing knowledge to achieve the best outcomes.
• Ethical Practice - treating everyone with dignity, respect, fairness, and integrity.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.