Who You Are You are an experienced and qualified social worker with at least 3 years of post-qualifying experience, preferably in a statutory child protection environment. You have profound knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and the effects of childhood trauma. Your skills include effective communication across diverse complex situations involving mental health, substance misuse, and domestic abuse. Holding a relevant social work qualification and being registered with Social Work England is essential. You can autonomously manage caseloads, write intricate reports, and court statements, and engage professionally with children and families. Proficiency in IT and a commitment to confidentiality and data protection principles are crucial. What the Job Involves As a Senior Practitioner in the Children's Services team, you handle complex child protection cases, using the Signs of Safety practice model to assess risks and craft safety plans. Building strong family relationships, supporting children within their networks, and exploring alternative plans when required, is key. Engaging creatively with children to hear their wishes is essential to inform care decisions. You lead child protection inquiries, represent the local authority in court, and manage cases independently. Responsibilities include mentoring junior staff, contributing to service improvements, chairing meetings, and engaging in capacity-building with families and communities. Continuous professional development through supervision, training, and learning is expected, ensuring adherence to the council's policies and values.