Senior Practitioner - Family Support Lead & Mentor

Milton Keynes; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great holiday benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Family-friendly policies

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

Milton Keynes City Council is seeking a Senior Practitioner to join the Family Support Team. You will manage complex children’s cases, provide expert social work guidance, mentor colleagues and contribute to service improvements while ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing of children and families.

The role is site-based in Milton Keynes, with interviews on 18 December 2026. A driving licence and vehicle access are required, plus DBS checks and Safeguarding compliance.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with current registration with Social Work England.
• Ability to assess complex family circumstances, identify risk and develop robust care plans.
• Experience supervising or mentoring social workers and other professionals.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for complex and sensitive children’s social care cases, completing effective assessments, care planning and interventions to support children’s safety, development and wellbeing.
• Provide expert social work advice and guidance, mentoring colleagues and supervising the casework of social workers, social work assistants, students and other professionals as required.
• Work with managers to resolve complex or contentious case issues, assess risk and ensure timely action to safeguard children and young people.
• Support allocation, prioritisation and planning of caseloads for a consistent and effective service.
• Lead or contribute to service development, quality audits, policies and procedures, sharing current legislation and good practice.
• Represent the Council in complex public and private law proceedings as required, including preparing court statements and giving oral evidence.

Skills

Mentoring colleagues

Risk assessment

Case management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Social Work

Diploma in Social Work

Certificate of Qualification in Social Work

Job description

Milton Keynes City Council is seeking a Senior Practitioner to join the Family Support Team. You will manage complex children’s cases, provide expert social work guidance, mentor colleagues and contribute to service improvements while ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing of children and families.

The role is site-based in Milton Keynes, with interviews on 18 December 2026. A driving licence and vehicle access are required, plus DBS checks and Safeguarding compliance.