Senior Practitioner - Think Family Service

Thurrock Council; Grays; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Grays is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Practitioner for the Think Family Service. This role involves offering a high-quality service to families, completing parenting and family assessments, and delivering direct support programs. Candidates should have the relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The organization promotes a supportive work culture and offers various employee benefits, including flexible working options and ongoing training.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

Staff discounts and local offers

Supportive and inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality service to children and families.
• Complete parenting and family assessments.
• Deliver direct work and parenting programmes.
• Support family reunifications where safe and appropriate.

Education

Relevant social work qualification

Job description

Job Description

Senior Practitioner - Think Family Service

Salary: £45,624 - £52,038 per annum (Plus £6,000 per annum Market Supplement*)

Grade: F

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

We have a rare opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Senior Practitioner to join our exciting Think Family Service (TFS) in Thurrock. TFS operate from the principle of whole-family working, drawing upon evidence-based practice and systemic principles, following the fundamental principle that neither adults nor children exist in isolation.

The TFS are a secondary case holding team completing:

• A range of parenting and family assessments for children in Public Law Outline arrangements (PLO) or court proceedings.
• Support parents by delivering direct work, parenting, and other programmes to prevent family breakdown.
• Reducing the number of children entering the care system where it is safe to do so.
• Reunifying children into the care of their families where it is safe to do so.

As a Senior Practitioner within the TFS you will provide a high-quality service to children and families that complies with legislation, guidance, and local policies. You will receive regular supervision and be part of systemic group case discussions. You will be able to build timely and effective professional relationships with children, families, and other key members of the network.

You can expect to join a dynamic and passionate team, where the targeted interventions and assessments completed have a direct impact on children and families, enabling them to develop their own solutions and make positive changes to their lives. The culture within the TFS has been created by a permanent and stable workforce, who are committed and hard-working.

Essential Qualifications

Relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England (SWE)

DBS Check

Enhanced with Children’s Barred List is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

(*Market Factor Supplement is subject to annual review and approval).

Important Dates

• Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th December 2025
• Closing Date (Internal & External): 4th January 2026
• Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Contact

Mark Jackson - Team Manager, Think Family Service

[e-mail]

Application Requirements

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.