Senior Practitioner - Family Safeguarding

Job Title: Qualified Children's Senior Practitioner

Directorate: Children's Services
Salary: Up to £51,802 per annum (Pay increase pending)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Base Locations: Stevenage and Apsley (with regular travel required)

Hertfordshire County Council is dedicated to delivering outstanding care and support to children and young people. We understand that empowered and motivated social workers are key to achieving the best outcomes for families.

Our Family Safeguarding Teams are at the forefront of a groundbreaking model in social work, revolutionising Child Protection and Child in Need cases. These multi-disciplinary teams bring together expertise from children's and adult social work, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, substance misuse, and mental health services. Together, we tackle the root causes of risk within families, enabling more children to remain safely at home.

We are seeking experienced and dedicated Social Workers to join our innovative Family Safeguarding Teams as Senior Practitioners. This critical role involves managing complex cases, leading multi-agency collaborations, and mentoring less experienced colleagues.

• Manage a varied and complex caseload in Child Protection, Child in Need, and care proceedings.
• Lead and collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team, providing expert guidance.
• Work directly with families to implement sustainable changes, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.
• Participate in and lead team meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities.
• Drive improvements in social work practice and contribute to the team's success.

To excel in this role, you will need:

• Qualifications: A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience: At least 2 years post-qualification experience, including frontline safeguarding, care planning, or multi-disciplinary teamwork.
• Skills: Strong communication, assessment, and case management skills, with proficiency in Microsoft IT packages.
• Legal Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of childcare legislation and policy.
• Driving Requirements: A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

• Competitive Salary: Up to £51,802 per annum (Pay increase pending).
• Welcome Bonus: Receive a one-off payment of £1,000*.
• Career Development: Enjoy regular supervision, training opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression.
• Flexible Working: Benefit from a hybrid working model that combines office collaboration with home working.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, supported by dedicated strategies and focus groups.

If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families and meet the qualifications and experience required, we want to hear from you!

Contact Phil Puaca at Ackerman Pierce on to take the next step in your career and join Hertfordshire County Council's pioneering Children's Services team.