Job Description
Grade 9- £52,584- £56646 per annum (subject to final confirmation, plus £4,000 Market Supplement)
About the Role
As an Advanced Practitioner for the Children in Care Team, you will play a key leadership role within the team, reporting directly to the Team Manager and deputising as required. They will provide line management to a small group of qualified social workers, including those in their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), student social workers, and non-qualified staff.
In addition to supporting and developing team members, the post holder will be responsible for managing the team budget and ensuring effective use of resources. The role requires flexibility, with a commitment to working outside of normal office hours and contributing to the out-of-hours rota to provide responsive support when needed.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to combine operational management with frontline leadership, ensuring high standards of practice and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage complex caseloads and coordinate effective care plans (LAC, CP, CIN, Pathway Plans) in partnership with families, multi-disciplinary teams, and external agencies.
* Lead, supervise, and develop staff, including qualified social workers, ASYEs, students, and non-qualified team members, ensuring high professional standards and reflective practice.
* Chair and contribute to complex meetings (e.g. child protection core groups) and ensure the preparation and presentation of high-quality reports for courts, reviews, and case conferences.
* Provide specialist expertise in areas such as child protection, fostering, adoption, CAMHS, domestic violence, or disability, acting as a key resource for colleagues and the wider service.
* Oversee budgets and resources, making sound financial decisions to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.
* Build strong partnerships with statutory, voluntary, and community agencies, representing the service at forums and contributing to service transformation and improvement.
What You'll Bring
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly, influence and negotiate effectively, and create an environment where open dialogue thrives.
* A strong commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, continuously improving practice, and using feedback to shape better outcomes for children, families, and communities.
* A results-focused approach, setting clear and achievable objectives, managing risk effectively, and taking personal responsibility for making sound decisions.
* The ability to inspire, motivate, and lead others, encouraging professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of continuous learning within the team.
* A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, acting as a role model, challenging discrimination, and ensuring fair and consistent standards at all times.
* Integrity, resilience, and a deep understanding of social and political contexts, enabling you to navigate complex situations and deliver positive, lasting change.
Why Choose Havering?
* Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
* Flexible Working Options – including hybrid and remote arrangements
* Generous Annual Leave – with the option to buy additional days
* Professional Development – minimum 10 days of learning annually
* Health & Wellbeing Support – including mental health resources
* Inclusive Culture – guided by our ICARE values: Integrity, Creativity, Ambition, Respect, Everyone
We're a council that embraces change, encourages fresh ideas, and supports career progression. If you're ready to make a lasting impact in a borough that values initiative, collaboration, and civic pride—we want to hear from you.
Additional Information
* We are a Disability Confident employer – applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview
* All roles are subject to relevant checks including DBS or Disclosure Scotland, depending on access to sensitive data or vulnerable groups
* Internal redeployees will be given priority consideration
For more information about the position please click job profile
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 26/9/25 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.
Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on
Additional Information
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
About Us
With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council .