3 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: • Walsall Council is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join the Children’s Services team within the West locality based in Darlaston. • The role involves working within a family safeguarding model, managing complex cases involving children and families where there are safeguarding concerns. • The successful candidate will provide high-quality social work practice, contribute to decision-making on complex cases, and support less experienced social workers where required. • This is a hybrid role requiring a mixture of office-based work and home working. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Manage a caseload of complex children and family safeguarding cases. • Work within the Family Safeguarding model to support and protect children at risk. • Undertake comprehensive assessments and risk assessments in line with statutory guidance. • Develop and implement child-centred care and protection plans. • Work with families to promote positive change and improve outcomes for children. • Prepare high-quality reports, including assessments and court documentation where required. • Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings such as child protection conferences and core groups. • Provide professional guidance and support to less experienced social workers within the team. • Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health services, education, police, and voluntary organisations. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in line with organisational and statutory requirements. Skills/Experience: • Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration. • Minimum of 3 years post-qualified experience (PQE) in children’s social care. • Proven experience working within a Family Safeguarding model. • Strong experience managing complex safeguarding cases involving children and families. • Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures. • Experience preparing court reports and supporting legal processes where required. • Strong analytical, assessment, and decision-making skills. • Ability to work effectively within multi-agency environments. • Excellent communication and organisational skills. Additional Information: • Bi-Weekly Payments. • Rate: £33.30 per hour (Umbrella – MOU rate). • Hours: 37 hours per week. • Location: Darlaston (West Locality), Walsall Council. • Working Pattern: Hybrid – approximately 2–3 days in the office. • Driver essential due to travel requirements. • Minimum 3 years PQE required. • DfE form must be completed for submission – applications without this will be rejected.