You will play a critical role in supporting high-quality practice, driving performance, and ensuring that children at risk of harm receive the right support at the right time. As a Lead Practitioner within the MACPT, you will:
Key responsibilities
* Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases
* Support the decision‑making and quality assurance of Section 47 enquiries
* Work closely with partners including police, health, and education to ensure robust multi‑agency safeguarding responses
* Offer coaching, mentoring, and reflective supervision support to social workers
* Be a part of strategy discussions and meetings, ensuring clear risk analysis and planning
* Drive continuous improvement and contribute to service development
Qualifications and experience
* Registered with Social Work England and holding a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW)
* Has substantial experience in frontline child protection and safeguarding
* Demonstrates strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision‑making skills
* Has experience of multi‑agency working at a strategic and operational level
* Can support and challenge practice to ensure excellent outcomes for children
* Is passionate about developing others and embedding high standards of practice
Commitment to safeguarding
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.
Diversity & inclusion
* We support candidates who indicate a disability – part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
* We support candidates who indicate they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist – part of our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant.
* We support candidates who indicate they are a Herefordshire care leaver – part of our commitment to support young people leaving our care.
Benefits & salary
* Salary range of £46,142 – £50,269 per annum
* Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
* Welcome Payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
* Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
* Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Career progression: clear pathways to progress
* Annual Leave: 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; additional 10 days can be purchased during the request period
* Flexible working: including 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)
* Perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits; savings, cash back and discounts
About Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county on the Welsh border, one of England's most rural and unspoilt areas, with vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community. Our priority is clear: to keep children safe and give them the best start in life. We do this through passionate, dedicated professionals who build strong relationships with children, families, and partners to make a lasting difference. It's an exciting time to join us.
Apply today
Curious about what it's really like to be a Social Worker with us? Want to know what it feels like to work with our passionate and dedicated Social Work teams? Watch this short video to get a glimpse into the heart of our service and see why Herefordshire Council could be the perfect place for your next career move.
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