At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support children and families in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to improving lives in a beautiful rural setting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome payment, relocation support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in managing complex safeguarding cases required.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 50091 € per year.
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About The Role
Salary: HC09 £40,777 - £45,091 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement per year £45,777 - £50,091)
Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37
Location: Multiple locations. Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Hereford
Relocation package of up to £10,000 available
Closing date: 05/04/2026
Introduction
Our Safeguarding and Support service is made up of six teams, which work out of three locality offices: South Locality (Ross-on-Wye), North Locality (Leominster) and Central Locality (Hereford). Each Team comprises of a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and a team of Family Support Workers. Locality working gives you the opportunity to stay connected, meet new colleagues, and easily access support. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work - a way of working that is firmly embedded in our team culture and management style. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of how we practice: senior managers are always available for guidance and support, especially when navigating complex cases.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Senior Practitioner to join us on our journey of improvement. Working within our Safeguarding & Support Teams, you will collaborate with partner agencies to make a real and lasting difference to children, families, and the wider community. Come and be part of Herefordshire's Restorative Journey of Improvement, helping us achieve the very best outcomes for the people we support. As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in developing and supporting our staff to enhance their knowledge, experience, and professional practice. Working closely with managers, you will contribute to the ongoing growth of the team and help ensure the delivery of a high-quality service for children, young people, and families. In this role, you will provide coaching, mentoring, training, and support to apprentices, Step Up students, and Family Support Workers. You will also lead on areas of practice development and training across the wider service, supporting the implementation of our Practice Standards, Quality Assurance Framework, and professional values, policies, and procedures. Herefordshire is on a journey, and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve the lives of children and young people across our communities.
About You
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and families through high-quality safeguarding practice, robust assessments, and effective early intervention.
- Experienced in managing complex safeguarding cases, demonstrating strong analytical, planning, and decision-making skills to ensure each child's needs are clearly understood and effectively met.
- Committed to working collaboratively and restoratively with families, colleagues, and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes and promote positive change.
- Resilient and reflective, with the confidence and professional curiosity needed to manage challenging situations and provide clear, evidence-based guidance to others.
- A skilled mentor and role model, supporting and developing colleagues through coaching, supervision, and leading areas of good practice within the team.
- Thrives in a supportive and fast-paced environment, contributing to a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and high professional standards.
- Registered with Social Work England and holding a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW).
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- Salary range of £40,777 - £45,091 per annum.
- Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum.
- Welcome Payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance).
- Retention payment: £2,000 - £4,000 depending on team.
- Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000.
- Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual Leave: 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period.
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
- Pick your perks - our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits.
Why Choose Us?
Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county on the Welsh border, one of England's most rural and unspoilt areas, with vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community. Our priority is clear: to keep children safe and give them the best start in life. We do this through passionate, dedicated professionals who build strong relationships with children, families, and partners to make a lasting difference. It’s an exciting time to join us. We're investing in our people and our relational practice approach, working alongside our improvement partner, Leeds City Council. You'll be supported by experienced managers, continuous professional development, and a genuine team ethos that values collaboration and care. If you're committed to helping children and young people thrive, come and join the journey in Herefordshire - where your work truly matters.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile! If you are successfully shortlisted, the C&YP Recruitment Team will contact you via email to arrange your interview and/or assessment. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview, so please keep an eye on your email inbox - check your spam/ junk folder too. Good luck, we're looking forward to meeting you!
Head of Academy Goalkeeping in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through a supportive and collaborative work culture. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a welcome payment and relocation support, and a strong focus on professional development, employees are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in the beautiful and historic county of Herefordshire, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Goalkeeping in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about safeguarding but also aligned with our mission to improve outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around complex case management and collaboration. We want to see how you think on your feet and handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Goalkeeping in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Practitioner. Highlight your experience in safeguarding and support, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or training that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for children and families shine through. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, be clear and concise. Stick to the point and ensure you address all the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This will help us see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Senior Practitioner in Safeguarding & Support. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the restorative approach mentioned in the job description. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and families. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the values of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and analytical skills. Think of complex cases you've managed and be ready to discuss your thought process, the actions you took, and the outcomes. This will showcase your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. Inquire about the team's culture, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in their safeguarding practices. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
