Senior Practitioner (Children's Services) – 3 Month Contract

Location: 45 Fordhouse Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 3BN
Rate: £33.29 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 Days Office-Based / 3 Days Remote
Hours: Full Time
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Practitioner to join our Children's Services team on a temporary basis. This role is pivotal in enhancing the quality of social work practices and achieving better outcomes for children, young people, and their families. The position involves managing complex cases and providing leadership in practice, offering professional advice, mentorship, and support to Social Workers. You will collaborate closely with the Team Manager to uphold and elevate practice standards across the service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a challenging caseload involving children, young people, and families with complex needs.
  
• Conduct thorough assessments, interventions, and make informed decisions in line with legal and statutory guidelines.
  
• Serve as a lead practitioner, offering professional guidance to colleagues.
  
• Mentor and support less experienced and newly qualified Social Workers.
  
• Foster high-quality practice through informal supervision, case discussions, and quality assurance.
  
• Engage in service improvement and practice development efforts.
  
• Establish strong partnerships with children, families, professionals, and partner agencies.
  
• Provide expertise in safeguarding and advocate for positive outcomes for children.
  
• Participate in performance monitoring and reporting.
  
• Represent Children's Services in various settings, including:
  • Multi-agency meetings
    
  • Child protection conferences
    
  • Strategy meetings
    
  • Court proceedings
    
  • Professional forums
    
• Assist the Team Manager in achieving service goals and maintaining high practice standards.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with active Social Work England registration.
  
• Extensive experience in Children's Social Care.
  
• Proven track record in managing complex children's cases.
  
• Strong background in safeguarding and child protection.
  
• Experience in areas such as:
  • Child Protection
    
  • Children in Need
    
  • Assessment
    
  • Safeguarding
    
  • Looked After Children
    
• Experience in mentoring and supporting Social Workers.
  
• Excellent skills in risk assessment and decision-making.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and children's social care practices.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-agency setting.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Experience with court work and presenting professional evidence confidently.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Senior Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, or Practice Lead.
  
• Qualification as a Practice Educator.
  
• Experience in supporting quality assurance and practice improvement initiatives.
  

What's on Offer?

• £33.29 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 2 Days Office / 3 Days Remote
  
• Location: Stirchley, Birmingham
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to work within a supportive Children's Services team.
  
• Key role in influencing practice standards and outcomes for children and families.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  

Ideal candidates may have experience as a Senior Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, Senior Social Worker, Child Protection Social Worker, Safeguarding Social Worker, Assessment Social Worker, or Children's Social Worker.