About The Job
Salary: £42,839 - £46,142 a year pro rata plus £5,500 market supplement allowance and £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria)
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Fixed Term for 6 months
Senior Practitioner role – playing a leading role in transforming the lives of children and young people. Commit to our values, standards and commitment to excellence, ensuring every child placed with our foster carers has the opportunity to thrive.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
* Manage a varied and complex caseload requiring a high level of professional expertise and decision‑making.
* Lead on the recruitment, assessment and ongoing support of foster carers.
* Deliver training, guidance and development opportunities to foster carers.
* Promote safeguarding, stability and positive experiences for children and young people.
* Ensure practice is delivered in line with legislation, statutory guidance and fostering regulations.
* Champion best practice, innovation and continuous improvement across the service.
* Build strong relationships with foster carers, partner agencies and colleagues to create lasting positive change.
* Deliver high‑quality fostering support, assessments and reports.
* Advocate effectively for children and young people.
* Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
* Work in line with current legislation, national guidance and best practice.
Note: this role does not attract sponsorship.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and be registered with Social Work England. We look for:
* Substantial post‑qualifying experience in social work.
* Strong professional judgement.
* Ability to manage complex situations with confidence and compassion.
* Excellent communication and organisational skills.
* A proactive and reflective approach, commitment to high‑quality social work practice.
About Us
Our Luton 2040 Vision – that no one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise our people are remarkable and passionate about serving residents.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits:
* 25–32 days annual leave, linked to length of service and grade.
* Buying annual leave scheme – up to 20 days additional.
* Career Pathways – step up in your career or move into a specialist area.
* Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 19.2% (April 2026) and 3 × salary death in service grant.
* Generous relocation package up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).
* Employee Assistance Programme – free 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
* Work/life balance – flexible working options, including work from home where possible, part‑time hours and alternative patterns.
* Unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support.
* Staff offers – discounts on MOT, gym, restaurants and salons.
* Arriva Travel Club – savings on local bus travel.
* Friday Funday Socials – one Friday every 2 months for staff socialising.
#J-18808-Ljbffr