Senior Practitioner - Fenland Family Support and Safeguarding Team

NHS; Wisbech; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization is seeking a Senior Practitioner for their Family Support and Safeguarding Team in Wisbech. The role involves leading complex cases, preparing court reports, and supervising staff, requiring a qualified Social Worker with strong communication and leadership skills. This position offers a hybrid work model and various benefits including a wellbeing package and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Comprehensive wellbeing package

6 days of protected time for CPD

Relocation package up to £8,000

Retention payments up to £9,118

Refer-a-Friend Scheme

Access to professional development through CARE

Qualifications

• Ability to travel independently across the county from various locations.
• Experience in safeguarding and working with complex families.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-complexity child and family cases.
• Prepare reports for court based on complex evidence.
• Support and supervise Social Workers and Child Practitioners.
• Assist with recruitment and staff management.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Supervisory skills

Experience in safeguarding

Education

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration

Job description

Senior Practitioner - Fenland Family Support and Safeguarding Team

We have an exciting vacancy in the Family Support and Safeguarding Team for a Senior Practitioner. For more details about the role please see the sections below.

Job responsibilities

Are you an experienced Social Worker and ready to take the next step in your career? We’re looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our Fenland Family Support and Safeguarding Team covering the Wisbech area. Practitioners in the team value supportive relationships and flexibility, working together to support children up to 18 years old. The role is hybrid, with a mix of home and office working (office base: Awdry House, Wisbech).

• Provide lead on high‑complexity cases involving risk, safety and complex needs of children, young people and families.
• Prepare written and verbal reports for court and other settings, ensuring they are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence.
• Lead, guide and direct Social Workers and Child Practitioners, supporting their performance and development, including supervision.
• Support planning, allocation and review of cases.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and management of staff.

We manage a varied caseload of Child in Need, Children in Need of Protection, Public Law Outline and care proceedings, focusing on children up to 18. We use a Motivational Interviewing approach in partnership with children and families to achieve sustainable change and improved outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Ability to travel independently across the county from a variety of locations.
• Experience in safeguarding and working with complex families.
• Strong communication, leadership and supervisory skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive wellbeing package covering all aspects of wellbeing, which can also be accessed by family.
• 6 days of protected time each year for Continuous Professional Development.
• Relocation package up to £8,000 (eligibility applies).
• Scalable retention payments up to £9,118 over a 3‑year period, starting after the first full year of employment.
• Refer‑a‑Friend Scheme: receive a £350 introduction fee if a referred Social Worker is subsequently employed.
• Access to Cambridgeshire Academy for Reaching Excellence (CARE) for professional development.

About us

Cambridgeshire County Council is a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace. Our four values drive everything we do, and we value how our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We encourage all candidates – including those who may not meet every requirement – to apply and speak to the recruiting manager if you have questions.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and support reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We also offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria.

Contact

For more information, call Nathalie on 01223 475920 or email [e-mail]. Interviews will be held week commencing 17 November.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure, as required by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be obtained to ensure no previous convictions that would disqualify the role.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, employee network 'IDEAL' and peer support groups foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment. We collect diversity data to monitor recruitment trends and take meaningful action where needed.

Visit our jobs and careers page for more information on learning, development, benefits and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.