Senior Practitioner – Children in Care, Mid Essex
Fixed‑term secondment, 12‑month contract. Full‑time. Salary: £48,205 – £57,988 per annum. Location: Chelmsford. Working style: community‑based worker. Closing date: 31 May 2026.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership within the team.
* Offer support and mentoring to newly qualified and less experienced staff.
* Facilitate reflective group supervision.
* Oversee the team's duty service.
* Deputise for the Team Manager when required.
* Lead within a designated practice area.
* Participate in professional development and contribute to team and service improvement.
About Children in Care
Children in Care (CIC) teams work with children and young people up to the age of 18 who are in care, ensuring a positive experience and preparing them for transition out of care or return to family. CIC teams handle post‑first‑hearing proceedings, visit placements, develop permanency plans—including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption—, conduct life‑story work, and support return to birth families.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* A recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree, Masters, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of continuing professional development aligned with relevant competency frameworks or statements.
* Significant experience of social work with up‑to‑date knowledge of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
* Experience of mentoring social work students and newly qualified or experienced staff.
* Experience chairing meetings involving clients, families and multi‑agency professionals.
* Developing strong relationships with partners, agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives.
* In‑depth understanding of value‑for‑money interventions balanced against need.
* Proven track record of clear decision‑making to limit risks associated with interventions.
Additional Requirements
* Must be mobile across Essex, travel beyond the county, and have a valid driving licence. Ability to transport service users and their belongings in emergencies.
* If a DBS check is required, you must register with the DBS Update Service. Information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
Benefits and EEO Statement
* Competitive salary within the stated range.
* Flexible working arrangements, including mobile work and support for unpaid carers.
* Opportunities for professional development and team contribution.
* Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and will interview disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements.
* Veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements will also be interviewed.
* The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
For questions or further information, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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