Child Protection Lead Practitioner

Hampshire County Council; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England seeks a Child Protection Lead Practitioner. In this permanent role, you will manage complex child protection cases, mentor colleagues, engage stakeholders, and contribute to service innovation. Ideal candidates are qualified Social Workers with strong safeguarding knowledge and a commitment to positive outcomes for children and families. Benefits include flexible working options, career development, and wellbeing support. Relevant experience in a statutory setting is essential.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing support

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with children and families in a UK-based statutory social work setting.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and legal frameworks pertaining to child protection.

Responsibilities

• Take charge of complex child protection cases.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to colleagues.
• Chair meetings and advocate for children and families' needs.
• Collaborate with external partners for family support.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Listen and negotiate

Building trust

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

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Child Protection Lead Practitioner

Job Reference: HCC622539
Salary Range: £47,768 - £52,202 per annum, inclusive of Market Supplement of £7,125 per annum
Work Location: Countywide, Hampshire - choose from Basingstoke, Test Valley (Andover), East Hampshire (Alton), New Forest (Totton), Hart & Rushmoor (Aldershot & Farnborough), Eastleigh & Winchester, Fareham & Gosport, Havant
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent

The Role:

Embark on the next step of your Social Work career with a transformative role in Child Protection. As part of a network of Lead Practitioners, you’ll be guided by strategic leadership and united by a shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.

What you’ll do:

• Take charge of a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases, ensuring families receive the right interventions and support.
• Offer expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues, enhancing their professional growth and boosting team effectiveness.
• Confidently chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for the needs of children and families.
• Collaborate with external partners, including various agencies and stakeholders, to provide comprehensive support for families.
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Significant experience working with children and families in a UK-based statutory social work setting, with a strong focus on child protection and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners whilst role modelling best practice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and in-depth knowledge of the legal frameworks and professional issues underpinning child protection and social work practice.
• Highly skilled in building trust and engaging with families. Able to listen, negotiate, and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working: Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back-office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here .

Ready to take the next step?

• Learn more: Explore the role, team, and our values in our Candidate Pack .
• Apply online: Click the ‘Apply’ button below to complete your application. Make sure you explain how you meet the requirements outlined in the ‘About you’ section of the candidate pack in your application.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Child Protection Social Worker, Senior Safeguarding Social Worker, Lead Social Worker – Child Protection, Senior Children’s Services Practitioner, Senior Family Support Social Worker.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.