Senior Practitioner; Children

£24.52 to £33.30 per hour, Pay Rate: £24.52 per hour (PAYE) / £33.30 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract Type:

Contract

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

13/02/2026

Neway International are seeking a Senior Practitioner to join our client based with Birmingham Children’s Trust.

Location:

One Avenue

Hours:

36.5 hours per week

Start Date:

asap Working Pattern: 08:45–17:15 Pay Rate: £24.52 per hour (PAYE) / £33.30 per hour (Umbrella) About the Client Birmingham Children’s Trust is proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating, reflecting its commitment to high‑quality, child‑centred practice.

The Trust supports children, young people, and families across the city, delivering safe, effective services that promote positive outcomes and long‑term stability.

This vacancy arises due to recruitment challenges and offers an opportunity to join a dedicated, supportive team.

The Role

The Senior Practitioner will assess and safeguard young people aged 16–17 who present as homeless or at risk of homelessness.

You will ensure statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and the Southwark Judgement (2009) are fully understood, applied, and lawfully discharged.

This role requires strong assessment skills, confident decision‑making, and the ability to work collaboratively across multi‑agency partners.

Key Responsibilities

Complete timely, child‑centred assessments under Section 17 and Section 20 of the Children Act 1989. Determine whether young people meet thresholds for being a child in need or require accommodation under Section
20. Ensure young people understand their legal rights and entitlements.

Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns including exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self‑harm.

Develop child in need plans, care plans, and pathway plans in partnership with the young person.

Promote the voice of the young person in all decision‑making.

Work collaboratively with housing, health, education, family support, and voluntary sector partners.

Lead joint assessments in line with local Southwark Protocols.

Maintain accurate, contemporaneous case records and document all decisions clearly.

Ensure refusals of Section 20 accommodation are fully explored and recorded.

Comply with statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018). Promote access to independent advocacy and uphold young people’s rights to care, support, and education.

Candidate Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with registration.

Minimum 4 years’ post‑qualifying experience in statutory safeguarding or homelessness‑related work.

Strong understanding of Section 17, Section 20, and the Southwark Judgement.

Confident in managing complex assessments and high‑risk situations.

Excellent communication, partnership working, and report‑writing skills.

Eligibility to work in the UK and ability to provide required compliance documentation.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).