Senior Practitioner (Childrens Services)
Location: London Borough of Bexley
Position: Full-Time, Locum (Hybrid: 3 days in office)
Pay Rate: £38.00 per hour
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Role
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Senior Practitioner to join the Childrens Services team at the London Borough of Bexley Council. This full‑time locum position is tailored for an experienced social worker ready to manage complex cases and provide vital mentorship to peers within a supportive and structured practice environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of complex, higher‑needs child protection cases.
* Initiate design and delivery of effective support for children and their families.
* Build positive, respectful relationships with families to help children in need of protection or additional help.
* Support families to raise children safely within their own networks by enhancing their support systems.
* Develop and execute alternative long‑term stability plans to ensure children are raised in safe, nurturing, and joyful environments when staying at home is not possible.
* Provide mentorship, guidance and support to fellow practitioners, including shadowing during home visits or professional meetings.
* Undertake court‑related work and represent the local authority as required.
* Utilise strong command of English language to influence others, coordinate services, and ensure utmost safety and care for children.
Requirements
* Minimum of three years post‑qualification experience as a children’s social worker.
* Recognised qualification in Social Work (CQSW, DipSW, CSS, or degree).
* Active registration with Social Work England.
* Proven experience handling complex child protection cases and court processes.
* Familiarity with, or training in, the Signs of Safety practice model is highly desirable.
* Commitment to a hybrid working schedule of three days per week in the office.
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