Senior Practitioner

My Social Work News; Ilford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

An agency in child protection is seeking a Senior Practitioner to lead investigations and support social workers. The successful candidate will work with various professionals to safeguard children at risk. Applicants must hold a social work qualification and possess substantial experience in safeguarding. A strong understanding of relevant legislation and excellent communication skills are essential. This full-time, permanent role offers a competitive salary and extensive professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive induction and training

Supportive team environment

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

Qualifications

• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualification experience in children's social care, especially in safeguarding.
• Strong understanding of child welfare legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Section 47 child protection investigations.
• Develop and implement child protection plans.
• Represent the MACPT in legal proceedings.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Report-writing abilities

Education

Recognised social work qualification (BA, MA, DipSW or equivalent)

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Job description

Salary: £50,532 to £56,507 per annum

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Exciting new opportuinity tojoin theMulti Agency Child Protection Team as adedicated and experienced Senior Practitioner in Ilford. The Senior Practitioner in the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) will work closely with a multi-agency network to safeguard children and young people at risk of significant harm. As an experienced practitioner, you will lead and oversee child protection investigations, assess risks, and drive forward robust protection plans to achieve positive outcomes.

The MACPT operates collaboratively, bringing together professionals from children’s services, police, health, and education, to ensure a coordinated response to child protection concerns. The Senior Practitioner will play a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring social workers while contributing to high-quality decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake and oversee Section 47 child protection investigations, ensuring timely and thorough assessments of risk and need.
• Forensically analyse multi-agency information to inform decision-making and planning.
• Develop and implement child protection plans that are child-focused, evidence-based, and outcome-driven.
• Ensure cases are managed in line with statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and organisational policies.
• Act as the lead professional in strategy discussions, case conferences, and multi-agency meetings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, ensuring cohesive responses to safeguarding concerns.
• Represent the MACPT in legal proceedings, providing expert evidence and high-quality reports

Benefits of the role:

• Competitive salary in line with market rates.
• Comprehensive induction and training programmes.
• Supportive team environment with access to supervision and professional development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme.

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualifications: A recognised social work qualification (BA, MA, DipSW or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience: Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, particularly within a safeguarding or assessment context. Previous experience in a senior or supervisory role is highly desirable.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and other statutory guidance related to safeguarding and child welfare.
• Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and multi-agency professionals. Strong report-writing abilities are essential.
• Empathy: A compassionate and child-centred approach, with a commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children and families.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, building positive relationships with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Technology: Proficient in using electronic case management systems and other IT tools for maintaining records and reporting.

How to Apply:

If you are an experienced social worker with a passion for safeguarding and a desire to lead and inspire a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.

Please note, this job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client. If you apply, Sanctuary Personnel will receive your details and be in touch to progress your application.

Apply Now

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