Senior Practitioner – Children in Care, West Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£48,205 to £57,988 per annum
Location: Harlow
Working Style: Community‑based worker
Closing Date: 27th May 2026
About the Role
A Senior Practitioner will lead the team, mentor socially qualified staff, facilitate reflective group supervision, oversee the duty service, deputise for the Team Manager when needed, and lead a practice area. The role includes travel across Essex and beyond and may require driving access.
Children in Care (CIC)
CIC teams work with children and young people up to 18 who are in care; they support transitions out of care and in through foster placements or residential homes, develop permanency plans, undertake life‑story work and support revocation of care decisions.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
* Facilitate reflective group supervision.
* Oversee the team's duty service.
* Deputise for the Team Manager when required.
* Lead within a specific practice area.
* Build and maintain relationships with partners, agencies and the community.
* Make clear decisions and manage risks in interventions.
Role requires mobility across Essex and beyond; driving licence or suitable vehicle required.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Recognised social work qualification, e.g., diploma, degree, masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
* Current registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to professional competency frameworks.
* Significant experience of social work with comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation and guidance.
* Experience mentoring Social Work students and staff.
* Experience chairing meetings with clients, families, carers and multi‑agency professionals.
* Developing strong relationships with partners, agencies and the local community.
* In‑depth understanding of value‑for‑money delivery balanced against need.
* Proven track record of clear decision‑making and risk management.
Benefits
Employees receive benefits such as support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements, among others.
Equal Opportunity and Job Interview Scheme
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interviewing all disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the process.
DBS Update Service
If your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service; details: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
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