Senior Social Work Practitioner — Trauma-Informed Leader

Brighton & Hove City Council; Brighton; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Brighton & Hove City Council seeks a senior practitioner to lead a specialist team delivering trauma-informed, person-centred social care services for adults with overlapping needs. You will support the Service Manager daily, supervise social workers, and ensure safe, effective delivery.

You will oversee complex cases, uphold safeguarding duties, and foster professional development within a high-pressure environment, while building partnerships across housing, health and criminal justice

Qualifications

• Qualified with a recognised Social Work (or equivalent AHP/Nursing) qualification and professional registration.
• Strong knowledge of Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding frameworks, and housing legislation.
• Significant experience with adults with complex needs (mental health, homelessness, substance use).
• Experience supervising staff, managing performance, and developing professionals in high-pressure settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational management of the service, including workload allocation and safe staffing.
• Line manage social workers and practitioners, supporting development and wellbeing.
• Lead on complex, high-risk cases with expert advice and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with statutory duties under Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding responsibilities.
• Oversee safeguarding practice, risk management, and Section 42 enquiries.

Skills

Staff supervision

Complex case management

Multi-agency collaboration

Legislation knowledge

Budget management

Data-driven practice

Communication skills

Equality & inclusion

Education

Social Work qualification

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Brighton & Hove City Council seeks a senior practitioner to lead a specialist team delivering trauma-informed, person-centred social care services for adults with overlapping needs. You will support the Service Manager daily, supervise social workers, and ensure safe, effective delivery.

You will oversee complex cases, uphold safeguarding duties, and foster professional development within a high-pressure environment, while building partnerships across housing, health and criminal justice