At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex child protection work and collaborate with multi-agency partners to safeguard children.
- Company: City of York, dedicated to creating exceptional outcomes for children.
- Benefits: Generous leave, Local Government Pension Scheme, health initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in child protection and shape the future of children's services.
- Qualifications: Expertise in child protection and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Are you looking to join a Children's Service where ambition, partnership and purpose come together to create exceptional outcomes for children? City of York are excited to go live with our Families First Implementation and are now seeking a Lead Child Protection Practitioner who is ready to play a central role in this journey - someone who brings expertise, confidence and professional curiosity, and who thrives in a system where multi-agency partnership working is not just encouraged, but essential.
In York, safeguarding is a collective endeavour: social workers, police, health, education and community partners working together with clarity and purpose to understand risk, share information, and take decisive, timely action to protect children. This role sits at the heart of that collaboration, leading and influencing the most complex child protection work, ensuring that decisions are informed, proportionate and always centred on the child’s lived experience.
Our practice is grounded in Signs of Safety - a strengths-based, relationship-focused model that balances rigorous analysis of harm and risk with a deep commitment to working alongside families to build lasting safety. Here, child protection is not just about process; it is about skilled conversations, clear thinking, and purposeful intervention that brings about real change.
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will champion this approach - supporting practitioners and partners to think critically, challenge constructively, and remain relentlessly focused on what needs to happen to keep children safe. This is a role for someone who is confident in leading complex decision-making - chairing strategy discussions and child protection conferences, guiding Section 47 enquiries, and ensuring the highest standards of analysis and planning.
You will be a visible practice leader, offering expert advice, providing constructive challenge, and shaping practice across the system so that children are protected effectively and without delay. Your leadership will ensure that every plan is purposeful, every intervention is timely, and every child’s voice is heard and acted upon.
In York, you will find an environment where high challenge is matched with high support. We invest in our people, prioritise reflective supervision, and provide opportunities to influence practice beyond your immediate role. You will be part of a service that values learning, innovation and professional growth - one where your expertise is recognised and your contribution has real impact.
If you are passionate about child protection, committed to partnership working, and driven to make the right decisions for children in complex and challenging situations, then this is your opportunity to join an Outstanding authority and help shape the next phase of our journey.
This role forms part of the implementation of the Families First reforms, which will come into effect on 1 October 2026. Should you be successful in securing an offer of employment, your start date will be on or after this date, subject to the completion of all required pre‑employment checks, including DBS clearance. This role is suitable as a job share opportunity.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Sian Alderson at sian.alderson@york.gov.uk or Jess Markwart jess.markwart@york.gov.uk.
Closing date: Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 12 midnight. Interview date: 4 September 2026.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner
✨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 City of York Council.
✨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 City of York Council!
✨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 City of York Council, 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 City of York Council 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
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 City of York Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to City of York Council! 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 City of York Council
✨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.
