Child Protection Lead Practitioner

Overview

In this role you lead complex child protection work within a high-performing council, guiding a network of Lead Practitioners to deliver positive outcomes for children and families. You will mentor colleagues, chair key meetings, and collaborate with external partners to ensure safe, effective interventions. The role supports service development and a culture of reflective practice in a respected, Ofsted-outstanding environment. This is a chance to shape frontline practice and contribute to a learning-driven public service.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• 9-day fortnight
• personal development days
• DfE Partner in Practice opportunities
• relocation assistance up to 8500
• Local Government Pension Scheme

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases and ensure appropriate interventions
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues to enhance team effectiveness
• Chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for children and families
• Collaborate with external partners and agencies to deliver comprehensive support
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation

Key requirements

• SWE registered social worker
• Significant UK statutory social work experience with children and families, focused on child protection
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver interventions
• Experience mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks underpinning child protection
• Ability to build trust and engage with families from diverse backgrounds

• mentoring and coaching
• communication and negotiation
• relationship-building and cultural sensitivity
• collaboration and teamwork
• safeguarding knowledge and legal frameworks in child protection
• stakeholder engagement and multi-agency collaboration

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