Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Make a direct impact on safeguarding practice in a senior statutory role focused on complex child protection decisions, multi-agency leadership and better outcomes for children and families. Applicants must be Social Work England registered with frontline statutory child protection experience.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Child Protection Chair, Child Protection Conference Chair, Independent Reviewing Officer, Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Social Worker, Practice Supervisor, Social Work Team Manager, Child Protection Social Worker
SALARY: £50,801 - £54,684 per annum + Benefits
LOCATION: Matlock, Derbyshire, East Midlands
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract – Covering for secondment March 2028
WORKING HOURS: 37 Hours per Week
JOB OVERVIEW
This is an opportunity to shape safeguarding practice in an integrated multi-agency setting. The Lead Child Protection Practitioner will combine statutory decision-making with relationship-based practice and a strong focus on children’s voices.
Working with Family Help Lead Practitioners and locality teams, the Lead Child Protection Practitioner will coordinate child protection activity and strengthen timely, evidence-based responses.
The Lead Child Protection Practitioner will provide practice leadership, reflective consultation and authoritative challenge across the partnership.
DUTIES
Your duties as the Lead Child Protection Practitioner include:
- Child Protection Conferences: Chair complex conferences in line with legislation and guidance, enabling meaningful participation by children and young people
- Multi-Agency Strategy Discussions: Lead discussions, document outcomes and plan and monitor Section 47 investigations across familial and extra-familial harm
- Statutory Decision-Making: Exercise local authority child protection decisions using multi-agency intelligence, professional expertise and contextual analysis
- Child and Family Participation: Promote children’s wishes and feelings and work with parents, carers, family networks and professionals
- Protection Planning and Records: Ensure plans are informed, current and effective, include family-led safety planning, and records are completed within required timescales
- Practice Leadership and Quality Assurance: Provide reflective consultation, guidance and challenge; scrutinise plans and contribute to audit and performance activity
- Inclusive and Contextual Safeguarding: Apply culturally competent, anti-discriminatory practice across exploitation, online risk and contextual safeguarding
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
- BA (Hons) Social Work or equivalent relevant qualification
- Current Social Work England registration
- Substantial frontline statutory child protection experience across enquiries, assessments, reviews, conferences, decision-making and supervision
- Experience communicating with children, young people, families and professionals, including involving them in meetings and decisions
- Experience chairing meetings sensitively, managing conflict and applying childcare legislation and child protection principles
- Strong analytical, planning and critical reflection skills for complex/high-risk cases, including supporting others to develop these skills
- Management-level experience including supervision, plus experience leading social work teams as a Team Manager or Practice Supervisor
- Ability to communicate with diverse audiences, write reports, analyse data and work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
- Ability to quality assure frontline practice, manage relationships and apply child protection legal frameworks, guidance and research
- Ability to guide, challenge and influence others while maintaining professional boundaries
- ICT skills including Word, Outlook and case record management systems
- Ability to manage priorities, work under pressure, monitor performance and address issues
- Ability to undertake regular travel across North and South Derbyshire and work flexible hours as required
DESIRABLE
- Experience undertaking audits and quality assurance activities and communicating findings
- Driving licence
- Post-qualifying training, including advanced child protection practice or specialist child protection training
BENEFITS
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Employee discounts
- Occupational health and wellbeing services
- In-house counselling and physiotherapy support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking at most sites
This role requires a DBS Check
JOB REF: AWDO-C15195
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Lead Child Protection Practitioner (AWDO-C15195) in Matlock) employer: AWD Online
Join a dynamic and supportive team within a large education organisation that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a strong focus on shaping the people strategy, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact across North Somerset and Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner (AWDO-C15195) in Matlock)
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
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Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at AWD Online
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at AWD Online. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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