SWRK 3106 - G3 Senior Practitioner (608150)

South Lanarkshire Council; Scotland; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Scotland is looking for a Senior Practitioner to join its Adult and Older People team. This role involves leading complex casework, providing expert guidance, and contributing to service improvement. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Social Work, registration with the Scottish Social Services Council, and at least three years of experience in managing complex cases. Competitive salary and benefits package provided.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Up to 33 days annual leave

Public holiday entitlement

Employee Discounts

Occupational sick pay

Cycle to Work Scheme

Physiotherapy support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience.
• Proven experience managing complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex casework and provide expert guidance.
• Contribute to service development and promote best practice.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies.

Skills

Complex case management

Risk assessment

Legislation knowledge

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council

Adult Support and Protection training

Evidence of Postgraduate Qualification

Job description

Internal applicants MUST apply via Opportunity Marketplace. Please ensure you complete your SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS via “Me” tab/tile on Fusion or by clicking on the application link in the section of the application form titled “REVIEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS”.

ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 18 December 2025 at 11:55PM

Location: Hamilton Area Office
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm, Friday 8.45am to 4.15pm
Salary / Hourly Rate: £50,622 - £51,370 per year

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a Senior Practitioner to join our Adult and Older People team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a supportive environment that values professional growth, innovation, and well‑being.

About the role:

As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a pivotal role in leading complex casework and providing expert guidance to colleagues. You will contribute to service development by promoting best practice and supporting continuous improvement across the team.

This role requires a strong understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and guidance, alongside the ability to assess and manage risk effectively. You will work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver high‑quality outcomes for individuals and communities. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will support them in providing professional advice and guidance to colleagues, promote best practice and contribute to service improvement. This position is ideal for experienced social workers who wish to progress their career while remaining actively involved in practice.

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent.
• Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.
• Adult Support and Protection training to Council Officer level.
• Minimum of 3 years post‑qualifying experience.
• Evidence of a Postgraduate Qualification (e.g., Practice Teacher Award, Mental Health Officer training, PQ award) or specialist qualification in adult services (e.g., Dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability).
• Proven experience managing complex cases.

Why work with us?

• Clear career progression
• Flexible working options
• Visible and accessible management team providing monthly reflective supervision
• A culture that puts people at the heart of everything we do

South Lanarkshire Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work‑life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

View the Senior Practitioner job profile

Please answer the following questions as part of your application submission, your answers should be uploaded under supporting documents.

• Describe your knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to the Senior Practitioner role.
• Describe your experience in assessing needs and risks, including legislation underpinning your practice.
• Describe a situation where you managed conflict or differing opinions and achieved resolution.
• Detail how you prioritise tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Describe your understanding of partnership working, including an example of collaborative outcomes.

If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents.

Please apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address

Preferred candidates identified after theselection eventprocess will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, toensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.

Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.

Legislative Information

This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003.

This post is considered Regulated Work with adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and/or adults.

Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.

Please refer to http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk for further information about the disclosure process and best practice.

Overseas Criminal Records Check

An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years.

Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.

Equal Opportunities and Armed Forces Community Covenant

South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Scheme Employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.

South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Veterans & Service leavers are guaranteed an interview who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.

Benefits

• Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
• To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
• Up to 33 days annual leave
• Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
• Occupational sick pay
• Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
• Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
• Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)

PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVS IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM.

To be considered for this vacancy you must complete the application form. All CV submissions will be disregarded.