Stockton Council |Senior Practitioner| Assessment Team

Caritas Recruitment; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic local government authority in Tees Valley is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner for its Children's Services team. This non-caseholding role focuses on delivering high-quality specialist assessments to inform safeguarding and permanency planning. Candidates must be registered social workers with a proven track record in complex assessments. The ideal applicant will also have knowledge of frameworks like ParentAssess and AIM3. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and make a real impact on children and families.

Benefits

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registration is mandatory.
• Proven experience in complex assessments is required.
• Knowledge of specialist frameworks is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specialist assessments including ParentAssess and AIM3.
• Provide evidence-based reports for planning and court.
• Collaborate with social workers for decision-making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Tools

ParentAssess

AIM3

CASPR

Job description

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join our dynamic Children's Services team. This is a non-caseholding role, focused on delivering high-quality specialist assessments that inform safeguarding and permanency planning.

You will work alongside social workers, managers, and multi-agency professionals to provide expert analysis and recommendations in complex cases. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the transformation of children's services in a borough committed to improving outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a range of specialist assessments, including ParentAssess (including for parents with learning disabilities), Sibling and Parenting Assessments, Capacity to Protect, Viability Assessments (including Reg 24 and Connected Persons), Regulation 24 Assessments, AIM Under 12 Assessments, AIM3 Assessments (for adolescents displaying harmful sexual behaviours)
• Provide clear, evidence-based reports to inform care planning and court proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with social workers and managers to support decision-making.
• Attend relevant meetings, including Legal Planning Meetings and Court Hearings, as required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, guidance, and best practice in children's social care.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Proven experience in completing complex assessments and writing high-quality reports.
• Knowledge of specialist frameworks such as ParentAssess, AIM3, and CASPR is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking local authority with a clear vision for improvement.
• Access to robust professional development and reflective supervision.
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive team culture.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.