At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and safeguard young people at risk of homelessness, ensuring their rights are upheld.
- Company: Join Birmingham Children’s Trust, a GOOD Ofsted-rated organisation dedicated to child-centred practice.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rates from ÂŁ24.52 to ÂŁ33.30 per hour, with full-time hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 4+ years in safeguarding or homelessness-related work.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment focused on positive outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 24 - 33 ÂŁ per hour.
Neway International are seeking a Senior Practitioner to join our client based with Birmingham Children’s Trust.
Location: One Avenue
Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Start Date: asap
Working Pattern: 08:45–17:15
Pay Rate: ÂŁ24.52 per hour (PAYE) / ÂŁ33.30 per hour (Umbrella)
Birmingham Children’s Trust is proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating, reflecting its commitment to high‑quality, child‑centred practice. The Trust supports children, young people, and families across the city, delivering safe, effective services that promote positive outcomes and long‑term stability. This vacancy arises due to recruitment challenges and offers an opportunity to join a dedicated, supportive team.
The Role
The Senior Practitioner will assess and safeguard young people aged 16–17 who present as homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will ensure statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and the Southwark Judgement (2009) are fully understood, applied, and lawfully discharged. This role requires strong assessment skills, confident decision‑making, and the ability to work collaboratively across multi‑agency partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete timely, child‑centred assessments under Section 17 and Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.
- Determine whether young people meet thresholds for being a child in need or require accommodation under Section 20.
- Ensure young people understand their legal rights and entitlements.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns including exploitation, abuse, neglect, or self‑harm.
- Develop child in need plans, care plans, and pathway plans in partnership with the young person.
- Promote the voice of the young person in all decision‑making.
- Work collaboratively with housing, health, education, family support, and voluntary sector partners.
- Lead joint assessments in line with local Southwark Protocols.
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous case records and document all decisions clearly.
- Ensure refusals of Section 20 accommodation are fully explored and recorded.
- Comply with statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).
- Promote access to independent advocacy and uphold young people’s rights to care, support, and education.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with registration.
- Minimum 4 years’ post‑qualifying experience in statutory safeguarding or homelessness‑related work.
- Strong understanding of Section 17, Section 20, and the Southwark Judgement.
- Confident in managing complex assessments and high‑risk situations.
- Excellent communication, partnership working, and report‑writing skills.
- Eligibility to work in the UK and ability to provide required compliance documentation.
Senior Practitioner Children in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner Children in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Birmingham Children’s Trust. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and the Southwark Judgement. We want you to be confident discussing how you’d handle complex assessments and safeguarding concerns.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work that highlight your assessment skills and decision-making abilities. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in young people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner Children in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your experience with safeguarding and homelessness, and show how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your relevant experience in statutory safeguarding or homelessness-related work. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strong assessment skills and decision-making abilities. We love seeing real-life impacts!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and the Southwark Judgement. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Senior Practitioner role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in statutory safeguarding and homelessness-related work. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your skills effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various agencies, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with other professionals in the past. Highlight any joint assessments or multi-agency projects you've been part of to showcase your teamwork skills.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their child-centred practice. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.