Senior Social Work Practitioner: Permanence & Adoption Lead

ESPO Trading Limited; Glenfield; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council seeks a Senior Practitioner to lead the Permanence Team, managing complex cases, delivering thorough Child Permanence Reports, and coordinating with fieldwork colleagues on care plans, adoption matching, and placement support. The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice and strong regulatory knowledge.

The successful candidate will chair permanence meetings, supervise staff, and drive service development, with a focus on high-quality direct work with children and

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in statutory social work practice.
• Excellent analytical ability evidenced in child care assessments.
• Good working knowledge of adoption regulations and related research.
• Proven track record in applying knowledge to direct work with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the Permanence Team and deputise for the Team Manager.
• Chair matching meetings for long-term fostering to provide oversight.
• Lead practice development including embedding trauma-informed practice.
• Complete Child Permanence Reports, Adoption Support Plans and Annex A’s to high standards and within deadlines.
• Demonstrate creative, relationship-based social work with families and professionals, using Signs of Safety where applicable.
• Supervise workers and/or students and support team development.

Skills

Statutory social work

Analytical ability

Signs of Safety

Supervision experience

Trauma-informed practice

Education

Social Work degree

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

Leicestershire County Council seeks a Senior Practitioner to lead the Permanence Team, managing complex cases, delivering thorough Child Permanence Reports, and coordinating with fieldwork colleagues on care plans, adoption matching, and placement support. The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice and strong regulatory knowledge.

The successful candidate will chair permanence meetings, supervise staff, and drive service development, with a focus on high-quality direct work with children and