Senior Practitioner - Sevenoaks North, Tonbridge & Malling Children's Social Work Team

Kent County Council; Sevenoaks, West Malling; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Sevenoaks is seeking a skilled social worker to lead complex cases for children from pre-birth to 18 years. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in children's social care, strong leadership capabilities, and be committed to professional development. Key responsibilities include the development of care plans, collaboration with multi-agency partners, and mentoring less experienced staff. The role offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, aiming to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Access to Social Care Academy

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering positive outcomes for children and families.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to work with multi-agency partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex cases for children and young people.
• Develop and review care and pathway plans.
• Mentor and support less experienced colleagues.

Skills

Substantial post-qualification experience in children's social care

Strong leadership skills

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Role Responsibility

Join an Outstanding Service – Make a Lasting Difference

• Be part of an Outstanding-rated authority (Ofsted, 2022) committed to delivering the highest standards for children and young people.
• Enjoy a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

About the Role

• Lead on complex cases, providing high-quality social work to children and young people from pre-birth to 18, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
• Develop, implement, and review care and pathway plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in our care.
• Work closely with multi-agency partners, including the Courts, to plan and deliver permanence for children.
• Work alongside Team Manager to mentor and support less experienced colleagues, sharing your expertise and upholding high standards of practice.

What We’re Looking For

• Substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, ideally with children in care child protection.
• Strong leadership skills and a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for children and families.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and best practice.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and supporting others to grow.

What We Offer

• Competitive starting salary plus additional market premiums.
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing.
• Access to Kent’s Social Care Academy and a range of progression opportunities.

Ready to make a real impact? Apply now to join our dedicated Children in Care teams and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in West Kent.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England.

This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.

About The Company

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.