Senior Practitioner - Family Support and Protection, South Essex

b Overview /b p As a Senior Practitioner in Family Support and Protection, you’ll supervise complex cases, guide colleagues, and deputise for the Team Manager to ensure safe, effective outcomes for children and families. You’ll drive practice improvements, coach staff, and maintain strong multi-agency partnerships. The role centers on safeguarding, high-risk assessments, and leading on key practice areas within a collaborative social care environment. This is a chance to influence services at scale and contribute to a brighter future for vulnerable families. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li nine-day working fortnight for full-time frontline staff /li li flexible working options /li li support for unpaid carers /li li commitment to inclusion and disability-friendly hiring /li li career development opportunities /li li DBS update service provided /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Provide expert supervision and coaching to social workers; contribute to practice standards /li li Assess complex social care needs and develop family-focused support plans /li li Work within statutory frameworks and determine thresholds for intervention /li li Manage a complex caseload with accurate data, reports, and presentations /li li Participate in case conferences, court attendances, statutory reviews, and multi-agency meetings /li li Lead safeguarding assessments and interventions tailored to child welfare /li li Build and maintain partnerships with the Council, partners, and voluntary agencies /li li Deliver specialist expertise in key practice areas and support service development /li li Align with annual performance targets within the management framework /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li HCPC registered social worker with recognised social work qualification /li li Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) /li li Extensive social work experience with up-to-date knowledge of legislation and guidance /li li Mentoring experience for Social Work students and staff; subject-matter expert in practice /li li Experience chairing meetings with clients, family members, carers, and multi-agency professionals /li li Strong relationship-building with partners and communities to support children and families /li li Demonstrated ability to balance value-for-money interventions with need /li li Ability to travel across Essex and beyond; valid driving licence or mobility solution /li /ul ul li collaboration /li li integrity /li li compassion /li li knowledge of relevant legislation, regulation and guidance /li li case management and data reporting /li li multi-agency partnership coordination /li /ul