Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Practice Lead
The closing date is 01 June 2026
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for the successful applicant to lead and manage a busy adult community social work team. The role will require working closely with the other Practice Leads and the Operational Service Delivery Lead (OSDL) in continuing to drive and develop a quality, strengths‑based service, which is responsive to service users, carers and the demands of the community.
Some of the desirable qualities required for the role are commitment, resilience, enthusiasm, effective communication and strong decision making skills. We are looking for a dynamic individual, committed to professional development to join and lead an experienced and enthusiastic team. The work is varied and challenging, working with a diverse client group ranging from age 18 upwards with a physical disability or sensory impairment and older people over the age of 65 with a physical disability or mental health condition.
Main duties of the job
There is an emphasis on leading professional development within the team, driving performance, managing budgets and resources and collaborating closely with health and social care colleagues to shape the service. The role will provide opportunity to develop collective leadership skills in a supportive and friendly environment.
The role will suit an experienced practitioner, preferably with a Practice Educator or Best Interest Assessor qualification or a commitment to achieving one of these awards. You will require an in-depth knowledge of social work legislation, safeguarding, complex case management, responding to crisis situations and will enjoy supporting and working with team members to promote excellent practice.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job responsibilities
On appointment, the post holder will be auto-enrolled in the SWLA and aligned to the appropriate British Association of Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework. The relevant SWLA stage (i.e. stage 1 (ASYE), 2 (Social Worker) or 3 (Advanced Social Worker) will also be agreed taking all prior Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and relevant experience into consideration. The post holder will be required to take responsibility for their own Continuous Professional Development.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke‑on‑Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non‑clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
* Qualified and Registered Social Work Practitioner Masters level qualification or equivalent experience in relevant professional or managerial role.(e.g. Stage 2 AMHP Qualification, Social Work Post Qualifying Award)
* Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or Best Interest Assessor (BiA) status OR willing to work towards within a defined timescale
* Evidence of ongoing continued professional development.
* Postgraduate qualification in management and/or leadership.
* Leadership or other organisational development training
EXPERIENCE
* Significant experience in operational and/or leadership role in the NHS or Local Authority delivering the relevant statutory functions.
* Experience of managing a social work service, complex projects and/or delivering clinical/practitioner services for adults
* Experience of leading and delivering service developments and successfully managing organisational change.
* In-depth knowledge of local commissioning and provider context including health, social care and education.
* Experience of teaching social work both undergraduate and postgraduate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr