Social Services Practitioner

Llyw; Pwllheli; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Wales is looking for a Social Services Practitioner to manage work within regulatory frameworks and provide support to children and families. The role entails conducting assessments, preparing reports, and ensuring adherence to safeguarding policies. Ideal candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience working with children and families in complex situations. This is a temporary position located in Pwllheli, offering a salary between £34,434 and £36,636 a year.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families with complex needs.
• Knowledge of childcare legislation and Child Protection Procedures.
• Ability to prepare quality reports in both English and Welsh.

Responsibilities

• Manage work and be accountable for it within role boundaries.
• Conduct strength-based assessments under supervision.
• Report concerns about abuse and follow safeguarding procedures.

Skills

Knowledge of safeguarding

Ability to work under pressure

IT skills

Effective communication

Education

5 GCSEs grade C or above

NVQ 3 or Diploma in Welfare Studies

Job description

£34,434 - £36,636 a year | Temporary until 30/03/2027

Reference: 25-30130 | Job title: Social Services Practitioner | Directorate: Children and Supporting Families | Service: Children Referral Team | Closing date: 02/01/2026 10:00 | Locally: Pwllheli | Salary: £34,434 - £36,636 a year | Pay Scale: S3 | Location(s): Pwllheli | Job type/Hours: Temporary – 30/03/2027 – 37 hours per week

Job Description

Practice within the regulatory frameworks and the relevant guidelines which form the basis of the social services provision in Wales. Implement the professional code of practice. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and continue professional development. Take an active part in regular reflective supervision by registered social workers or a registered occupational therapist and seek advice and support on work fields beyond the expected work boundaries.

Manage your own work and be accountable for it within the boundaries of the role. Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary workers under the guidance of your line manager or registered social worker. Prepare and submit reports and minutes under supervision, ensuring the information is correct, consistent and shared safely. Support and empower people to participate in decision‑making processes and support them to access advocacy services.

Conduct strength‑based assessments and practice in a manner that promotes self‑determination, independence and empowerment. Use the conversation ‘What Matters’ to identify eligible needs and develop result‑focused plans with guidance from your line manager and more experienced colleagues. Prepare, produce and implement plans under supervision.

Identify adults or children who are at risk according to the relevant legislation and Wales Safeguarding Procedures and report appropriately. Undertake the relevant level 4 qualification as noted in the SCW Qualification Framework and other level 3 and 4 programmes as required.

Conduct Return Home Interviews with children and young people who have been missing from home or care. Produce timely, high‑quality reports, and share information with the Children’s Admissions Team, the referral team and the National Welfare Provision (NWP) on safeguarding matters. Liaise closely with NWP to share information on Return Home Interviews and support their work on Child Sexual/Criminal Exploitation (CSE/CCE). Provide quarterly reports to the Gwynedd Children’s Senior Management Team, and six‑monthly reports to the Local Safeguarding Children’s Delivery Group. Contribute to developing a multi‑regional resource on Return Home Interviews.

Maintain compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace, operate within Council policies on equal opportunities and equality, and manage information in accordance with Council information management standards and Data Protection legislation. Commit to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions and encourage others to act positively toward reducing the Council’s carbon footprint. Perform any other reasonable duty that corresponds to the salary and responsibility level of the post. Report any concern or suspicion of abuse.

Responsibilities

• Practice within the regulatory frameworks and relevant guidelines.
• Maintain professional development and reflective supervision.
• Accountably manage own work within role boundaries.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary workers.
• Prepare and submit reports and minutes.
• Support people in decision‑making and access advocacy services.
• Conduct strength‑based assessments and implement plans.
• Identify and report at‑risk adults or children.
• Undergo relevant level 4 and 3 qualifications.
• Conduct Return Home Interviews and produce reports.
• Collaborate with the referral team, admissions team and NWP.
• Provide quarterly and six‑monthly reports.
• Maintain compliance with Health and Safety, equality, information management and carbon reduction policies.
• Report concerns about abuse.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs grade C or above.
• NVQ 3 or Diploma in Welfare Studies, Child Development or similar (essential).
• Experience working with children and families with complex needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, childcare legislation, Child Protection Procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure, both independently and in a team.
• IT skills and ability to prepare quality reports in English and Welsh.
• Clean, current driving licence.

Desirable

• Qualifications in child care or relevant social or health care.
• Experience with attachment and loss theory, relationship and strength‑based interventions.
• Experience contributing to assessments, care planning and reviews.
• Knowledge of parenting, behaviour management, healthy lifestyles, mindfulness.
• Clean drive licence.

Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude toward service users and co‑workers.
• Commitment to child safety, wellbeing, and welfare.
• Teamwork and direction-following skills.
• Enthusiasm for positive outcomes for children and families.
• Effective communication and relationship building.
• Creativity and imagination with children and families.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to handle difficult conversations.
• Reflective, supportive and outcome-focused approach.
• Experience planning work efficiently.
• Multi‑agency awareness and partnership working.
• Professional self‑management and supervision understanding.
• Anti‑discriminatory and anti‑oppressive practice commitment.

Language Requirements

• Listening and Speaking – Higher: follow discussions in both Welsh and English at a professional level and respond confidently.
• Reading and Understanding – Higher: understand standard written Welsh and English, formal and informal.
• Writing – Higher: produce detailed reports and respond to written requests in both languages.

Contact Information

For further information about this post please contact Elliw Hugheson ([e-mail]). Application forms and further details are available from the Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon (Tel: [phone]; E‑Mail: [e-mail])."