Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Are you an experienced Social Worker ready to take your next step into a leadership role? Our Emergency Social Work Team (ESWT) supports some of the most vulnerable children, young people, and families, responding with skill, compassion, and professionalism when they need it most.
As a Senior Practitioner, you’ll play a central role in ensuring high‑quality practice, supporting colleagues, and helping to deliver timely, safe, and effective interventions.
In addition to the salary advertised, you will receive a market premium of £2,750 per annum.
Take a look at our to learn more about working in Children's Services at Buckinghamshire Council.
About the role
In this key position, you’ll support the ESWT Manager in leading a multi‑disciplinary team, providing professional oversight, supervision, and guidance. You’ll be involved in complex case decision‑making, maintaining a small caseload, and contributing to the smooth operation of the team’s duty system.
You’ll also help shape excellent social work practice through reflective supervision, partnership working, and strong quality assurance. Building meaningful relationships with children and families is core to the role, ensuring their voices are heard and their safety and wellbeing underpin every decision.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Providing day‑to‑day supervision and professional guidance to team members
2. Deputising for the ESWT Manager when required
3. Overseeing complex casework to ensure risks are identified, assessed, and managed effectively
4. Chairing multi‑agency meetings and leading coordinated responses
5. Holding a reduced caseload involving high‑risk or complex situations
About you
You’re an experienced, confident Social Worker with strong assessment and safeguarding skills, ready to support others and take a lead in a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment. You’ll bring professional curiosity, emotional resilience, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
You’ll also be a strong communicator—someone who works collaboratively with colleagues, partners, children, and families, always keeping the child's best interests at the centre.
You’ll need:
6. A recognised social work qualification and active SWE registration
7. Substantial experience in Children’s Services or similar frontline settings
8. Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities
9. Experience chairing or leading multi‑agency meetings
10. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle