At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cases and support vulnerable children and families with expert guidance.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, dedicated to improving lives of children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome payment, hybrid working, and extra annual leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work England registered with 3+ years in a senior role.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
At Hertfordshire County Council we believe that children and young people in our care deserve the best. We are committed to training and supporting social workers to deliver first‑class support to vulnerable children and families, managing complex and diverse caseloads. Our approach promotes diversity and inclusion, adaptive technologies and hybrid working, and a focus on continuous improvement.
The Senior Practitioner will work within one of the following teams:
- Family Safeguarding East (Permanent or Secondment / FTC to Dec 2026), Stevenage
- Family Safeguarding West, Hemel Hempstead
- Specialist Adolescent Service (SASH), Stevenage
- Joint Police Children Protection & Investigation Team (JCPIT), Hatfield
- Fostering, Hemel Hempstead – support foster carers, child development, trauma focused models and coordination with Mockingbird Hub
A Senior Practitioner will take lead on complex cases, support less experienced staff, research and disseminate up‑to‑date social work practice, and help build a clear vision for the future.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage high‑risk and complex young people and cases.
- Lead caseloads and provide specialist guidance to the team.
- Develop and deliver training and supervision for staff.
- Maintain safety plans in partnership with JCPIT team manager and police.
- Attend CP and SARC medicals and pre‑assessments with health and police colleagues.
- Support foster carers and children across the county, including visits to out‑of‑county carers.
- Conduct unannounced visits, annual reviews, health and safety checks for foster care placement.
- Support families from diverse cultural backgrounds with sensitivity and impartiality.
- Prepare and deliver presentations, evidence reports and policy updates.
Qualifications
- Social Work England registered and qualified.
- At least 3 years post‑qualifying experience in a senior role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of legislation, guidance, policy and procedures relevant to child safeguarding.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle.
- Significant frontline experience in a safeguarding team.
- Recent experience of case work in assessments, child protection, children looked after and care proceedings.
- In‑depth knowledge of child‑care legislation.
- Disclosed & Barring Service (DBS) check required.
Benefits
- Monthly Market Enhanced Payment.
- One‑off £1,000 Welcome Payment (terms & conditions apply).
- Lease car scheme.
- Up to £6,000 relocation expenses (terms & conditions apply).
- Hybrid working model.
- Additional 5 days annual leave entitlement.
- Social Work Education (SWE) registration fee paid.
Additional Requirements
- Driving and travel across Hertfordshire – own transport or company car.
- English fluency – accurate spoken English; sign language interpreter provision for those requiring it.
- Additional police checks on appointment, particularly for JCPIT roles.
Practitioners (All Children's Teams) in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing the highest quality support for children and young people. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and continuous professional development, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, generous leave entitlements, and financial incentives such as relocation expenses and a welcome payment. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and growth, making it an ideal environment for social workers looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practitioners (All Children's Teams) in Stevenage
✨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 Hertfordshire County 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 Hertfordshire County 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 Hertfordshire County 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 Hertfordshire County 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 Practitioners (All Children's Teams) in Stevenage
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 Hertfordshire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hertfordshire County 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 Hertfordshire County 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.
