About The Role
Job Title: Children’s Senior Practitioner – Safeguarding & Support
Salary: HC09 £40,777 - £45,091 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement per year £45,777 - £50,091)
Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37
Location: Multiple locations: Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Hereford
Relocation package of up to £10,000 available.
Closing date: 31/05/2026
Introduction
Our Safeguarding and Support service is made up of six teams, which work out of three locality offices: South Locality (Ross-on-Wye), North Locality (Leominster) and Central Locality (Hereford). Each team comprises a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and a team of Family Support Workers.
We are proud of our restorative approach to social work and emphasize collaboration, reflection, and guidance from senior managers.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Senior Practitioner to join our Safeguarding & Support teams, collaborating with partner agencies to make a lasting difference to children, families, and the wider community. You will support Herefordshire’s Restorative Journey of Improvement.
As a Senior Practitioner, you will develop and support staff to enhance their knowledge, experience, and professional practice. Working closely with managers you will contribute to the growth of the team and ensure delivery of a high‑quality service for children, young people, and families.
Key responsibilities include:
* Coaching, mentoring, training and support to apprentices, Step Up students, and Family Support Workers.
* Leading practice development and training across the wider service.
* Supporting implementation of Practice Standards, Quality Assurance Framework, and professional values, policies and procedures.
This role is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve the lives of children and young people across our communities.
About You
* Passionate about improving outcomes for children and families through high‑quality safeguarding practice, robust assessments, and early intervention.
* Experienced in managing complex safeguarding cases, demonstrating strong analytical, planning, and decision‑making skills.
* Committed to working collaboratively and restoratively with families, colleagues, and partner agencies.
* Resilient and reflective, with confidence and professional curiosity to manage challenging situations.
* Skilled mentor and role model, supporting colleagues through coaching, supervision, and leading good practice.
* Thrives in a supportive and fast‑paced environment, contributing to continuous learning and high professional standards.
* Registered with Social Work England and holds a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW).
We Offer
* Salary range: £40,777 - £45,091 per annum
* Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
* Welcome Payment: £10,000
* Retention payment: £2,000 - £4,000 depending on team.
* Relocation packages up to £10,000
* Professional development: protected time and budget for career development.
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
* Annual leave: 31 days per annum (pro rata) plus bank holidays; additional 10 days available to purchase.
* Flexible working: potential for job sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
* Access to retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk. If you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments, the Children & Young People Recruitment Team will support you.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
Candidate selection includes consideration for Applicants with Disabilities (Disability Confident), Armed Forces Veterans or Reservists (Armed Forces Covenant) and Herefordshire care leavers (support for care leavers).
How to Apply
To apply, upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the application form, demonstrating experience, skills and abilities for the role. Include reference to the job description and person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the C&YP Recruitment Team for interview or assessment.
Please note: this council is not currently able to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. Sponsorship is available for UK‑only candidates with minimum two years UK‑based experience.
EEO Information
Herefordshire Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
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