Child Protection Lead Practitioner

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Job Reference: HCC
622539
Salary Range: £47,768 - £52,202 per annum, inclusive of Market Supplement of £7,125 per annum
Work Location: Countywide, Hampshire - choose from Basingstoke, Test Valley (Andover), East Hampshire (Alton), New Forest (Totton), Hart & Rushmoor (Aldershot & Farnborough), Eastleigh & Winchester, Fareham & Gosport, Havant
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent

Embark on the next step of your Social Work career with a transformative role in Child Protection
. As part of a network of Lead Practitioners
, you’ll be guided by strategic leadership and united by a shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.

• Take charge of a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases, ensuring families receive the right interventions and support.
• Offer expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues, enhancing their professional growth and boosting team effectiveness.
• Confidently chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for the needs of children and families.
• Collaborate with external partners, including various agencies and stakeholders, to provide comprehensive support for families.
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Significant experience working with children and families in a UK-based statutory social work setting, with a strong focus on child protection and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners whilst role modelling best practice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and in-depth knowledge of the legal frameworks and professional issues underpinning child protection and social work practice.
• Highly skilled in building trust and engaging with families. Able to listen, negotiate, and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working: Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back-office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here .

• Learn more: Explore the role, team, and our values in our Candidate Pack .
• Apply online: Click the ‘Apply’ button below to complete your application. Make sure you explain how you meet the requirements outlined in the ‘About you’ section of the candidate pack in your application.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include:
Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Child Protection Social Worker, Senior Safeguarding Social Worker, Lead Social Worker – Child Protection, Senior Children’s Services Practitioner, Senior Family Support Social Worker.

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