Senior Practitioner - Safeguarding & Support

Hoople; Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is looking for a dynamic Senior Practitioner to join the Safeguarding & Support Teams. This role involves working collaboratively with partner agencies to enhance the welfare of children and families. Candidates must possess relevant qualifications and a minimum of three years’ experience in statutory social care. Offering a competitive salary and various benefits, this position is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a positive impact.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Pension Scheme

Professional development support

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in statutory social care.
• Qualified with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Help develop staff knowledge and practice.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and training.
• Lead on practice development and training.

Skills

Statutory social care experience

Coaching and mentoring

Relationship-based practice

Education

DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

Job Title: Senior Practitioner – Safeguarding & Support

Hours: 37 per week

Salary: HC9 £40,777 - £45,091 + £10,000 welcome payment + £5,000 market rate supplement

Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)

Relocation package: up to £10,000 available

Location: Multiple locations – Ross on Wye, Leominster, Hereford

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 12/10/2025

Come and join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to gain the best for children and families in Herefordshire.

The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and passionate Senior Practitioner to help us on our improvement journey. Working within the Safeguarding & Support Teams you will work collaboratively with partner agencies to make a positive difference to society and the families that we work with.

As a Senior Practitioner, you will help with the ongoing development of our staff in their knowledge, experience and practice. You will closely work with the managers to develop the team and deliver high quality service to our children, young people, and families. You will provide coaching, mentoring, training and support to apprentices, step up students and family support workers. You will lead on areas of practice development and training within the wider service, and support the implementation of our practice standards, quality assurance framework, professional values, policies and procedures.

You will be fully qualified (DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in statutory social care and dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for our children.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our developing team and contribute to creating a safe and supportive, yet challenging, learning environment for Herefordshire’s workforce. You will be supported by an established team with a strong commitment to relationship-based practice, flexible working and professional development.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role of Senior Practitioner, please contact Deborah Morgan, Service Manager for the Safeguarding & Support Teams, by phone on 01432 261645, or by email at [e-mail].

Herefordshire is on a journey and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve and protect the children and young people within it.

Herefordshire Council Safeguarding & Support Teams

The Children’s Safeguarding & Support teams are based across three localities with good transport links. There are six teams comprising a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and a supporting team of family support workers. We work in the main Herefordshire Council offices with flexibility for home working. We emphasise relationship-based practice and provide regular supervision and case discussions. We also work closely with the Council’s Legal Team on Court applications, with support from court progression Officers to ensure timescales are met and training provided where needed.

We are happy to welcome new Social Workers; consider joining us!

Video insight: Curious about what it’s really like to be a Social Worker with us? This short video gives you a glimpse into the heart of our service: https://youtu.be/FSjU-FV5uic

We Offer

• Senior Practitioner starting salary: HC9 £40,777 - £45,091 per annum
• Market rate supplement: plus £5,000 per year
• Welcome payment: £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams (see attached guidance)
• Relocation packages: up to £10,000
• Pension Scheme: Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress to senior social worker level
• Generous Annual Leave: 31 days (pro rata) plus bank holidays; option to purchase an additional 10 days per annum
• Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees

Pick your perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.

Council plan: Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-28 – details at the link below.

About Us

Herefordshire is a rural county with a strong focus on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are committed to flexible working and professional development, and we work with partners to protect vulnerable children and families. We emphasise relational practice and ongoing staff development.

All candidates will be considered, including those seeking flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments. The role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and pre-employment checks.

How to Apply and Additional Information

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the supporting statement within the application form, referencing the job description & person specification and detailing how you meet the role’s requirements.

Please note: the council is unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. A full list of current vacancies can be found at the council’s listing: https://spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs/

Closing date: 12/10/2025