Senior Practitioner - Looked After Children Team - Barnet

Caritas Recruitment Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Barnet Council is recruiting an experienced Senior Practitioner to lead the Looked After Children Team, delivering high-quality safeguarding and development for looked after children and their families.

You will supervise social workers, manage complex caseloads, and collaborate with partners to ensure safety and positive outcomes, while supporting ongoing training and professional development.

Qualifications

• A recognized social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent).
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in child protection or looked after children services.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills; commitment to team development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex caseload of looked after children, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
• Providing supervision and support to junior social workers, fostering professional development.
• Conducting assessments and developing care plans in collaboration with children, families, and other professionals.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and best practices in social work.
• Working closely with external agencies and stakeholders to promote the best outcomes for children.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work / DipSW

Social Work England registration

Job description

Are you an experienced social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of looked after children? Barnet is seeking a dedicated Senior Practitioner to join our Looked After Children Team. In this pivotal role, you will lead and support a team of social workers in delivering high-quality services to children and families, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a complex caseload of looked after children, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
• Providing supervision and support to junior social workers, fostering their professional development.
• Conducting assessments and developing care plans in collaboration with children, families, and other professionals.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and best practices in social work.
• Working closely with external agencies and stakeholders to promote the best outcomes for children.

The ideal candidate will possess the following essential qualifications and skills:

• A recognized social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent).
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in child protection or looked after children services.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with a commitment to supporting team development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children and families.

In addition, we offer a supportive working environment with access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• a competitive salary
• flexible working arrangements
• a comprehensive employee assistance program

Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Barnet.