Senior Practitioner - Think Family Service

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

Job summary

A local authority in England seeks an enthusiastic Senior Practitioner for the Think Family Service in Thurrock. This role involves providing high-quality assessments and support to families, aiming to prevent breakdowns and reunify children safely. Applicants must have a relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England, alongside an enhanced DBS check. Join a committed team dedicated to creating positive change for families in their community. Flexible and hybrid working options are available.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List.

Responsibilities

• Conduct parenting and family assessments for legal arrangements.
• Support parents through direct work and programs to prevent breakdown.
• Reunify children with families where safe.
• Provide high-quality services compliant with legislation.

Skills

Social Work Qualification

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

Job overview

Job Title: Senior Practitioner - Think Family Service

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

Grade: F

Contract: Permanent

Working 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 operates 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.

Qualifications & Checking

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

• 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

Important Dates

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

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Mark Jackson - Team Manager, Think Family Service

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.

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

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