At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection efforts and support families in Gloucestershire.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, committed to safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading innovative child protection teams.
- Qualifications: Experienced social workers with strong child protection knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 54495 £ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job located in Stroud or Gloucester.
Salary: £52,413 - £54,495 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 06/09/2026
This post is open to job share.
Be at the forefront of protecting children in Gloucestershire. Following our 2025 Ofsted judgement of Good, Gloucestershire is continuing to invest in children, families, and our workforce as we continue the drive to excellence for our children and implement the ambitious Families First Partnership Programme.
About The Role:
- We are seeking experienced social workers with substantial post-qualifying experience in child protection work.
- You will provide decisive leadership and decision-making in critical moments in a child’s life.
- Oversee complex child protection work and provide practice leadership.
- Enable strong partnership working with health, education, police, and other agencies.
- Provide advice and consultation, chair child protection strategy meetings, oversee section 47 enquiries, and chair initial and review child protection conferences.
- Lead multi-agency reflective supervision, practice development, quality assurance, learning objectives, and service improvement.
- Work directly with children and families, supporting them to understand and contribute to their plans.
Reward and support:
- Salary between £52,413 - £54,495 per annum subject to experience.
- Welcome payment of £5,000.
- Annual retention payment of £2,000.
- Up to £8,000 relocation package.
- Flexible and agile working (predominantly office-based).
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service.
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year.
- Family-friendly policies and benefits.
- Supportive working environment with regular supervision.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available 24 hours a day.
- In-house Occupational Health service.
- Employee discount scheme.
- Career development and qualification opportunities.
- Access to our Social Work Academy.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
About You:
- Demonstrate expert knowledge and application of child protection legislation and safeguarding practice.
- Build effective relationships with children and families while maintaining a focus on safety, risk, and permanence.
- Undertake sophisticated analysis and decision-making in complex situations.
- Lead and influence professional networks around children experiencing significant harm.
- Model excellent direct work with children and families.
- Coach, mentor, and develop social workers and other practitioners.
- Use evidence and reflective practice to improve outcomes.
- Thrive within a relational practice culture valuing collaboration and continuous improvement.
You Will Also Need:
- Social Work England registration.
- A recognised qualification in Social Work.
- A full driving licence and willingness to drive.
- DBS clearance (Enhanced Adults and Children’s).
Please note that our welcome and retention payments are non-contractual, pro rata for part-time staff, and subject to National Insurance and tax deductions.
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stroud employer: CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD
CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With competitive benefits such as an annual retention payment, relocation package, and flexible working arrangements, the company fosters professional growth and work-life balance, making it an ideal place for dedicated social workers in Gloucestershire.
Contact Details:
CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stroud
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stroud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHRISCROSS INSTALLATIONS LTD
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
