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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support teams to safeguard children and families in Herefordshire.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to improving lives through relationship-based practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while advancing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with at least 3 years of statutory experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to continuous improvement and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 45091 £ per year.
About The Role
Job Title: Senior Practitioner – Safeguarding & Support
Hours: 37 per week
Salary: HC9 £40,777 – £45,091 + £10,000 welcome payment + £5,000 market rate supplement
Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
Relocation package: up to £10,000 available
Location: Multiple locations – Ross on Wye, Leominster, Hereford
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 12/10/2025
Come and join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to gain the best for children and families in Herefordshire.
The Role
We are looking for a dynamic and passionate Senior Practitioner to help us on our improvement journey. Working within the Safeguarding & Support Teams you will work collaboratively with partner agencies to make a positive difference to society and the families that we work with.
As a Senior Practitioner, you will help with the ongoing development of our staff in their knowledge, experience and practice. You will closely work with the managers to develop the team and deliver high quality service to our children, young people, and families. You will provide coaching, mentoring, training and support to apprentices, step up students and family support workers. You will lead on areas of practice development and training within the wider service, and support the implementation of our practice standards, quality assurance framework, professional values, policies and procedures.
You will be fully qualified (DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in statutory social care and dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for our children.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our developing team and contribute to creating a safe and supportive, yet challenging, learning environment for Herefordshire’s workforce. You will be supported by an established team with a strong commitment to relationship-based practice, flexible working and professional development.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role of Senior Practitioner, please contact Deborah Morgan, Service Manager for the Safeguarding & Support Teams, by phone on 01432 261645, or by email at Deborah.Morgan@herefordshire.gov.uk.
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 and protect the children and young people within it.
Herefordshire Council Safeguarding & Support Teams
The Children’s Safeguarding & Support teams are based across three localities with good transport links. There are six teams comprising a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and a supporting team of family support workers. We work in the main Herefordshire Council offices with flexibility for home working. We emphasise relationship-based practice and provide regular supervision and case discussions. We also work closely with the Council’s Legal Team on Court applications, with support from court progression Officers to ensure timescales are met and training provided where needed.
We are happy to welcome new Social Workers; consider joining us!
Video insight: Curious about what it’s really like to be a Social Worker with us? This short video gives you a glimpse into the heart of our service: https://youtu.be/FSjU-FV5uic
We Offer
- Senior Practitioner starting salary: HC9 £40,777 – £45,091 per annum
- Market rate supplement: plus £5,000 per year
- Welcome payment: £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams (see attached guidance)
- Relocation packages: up to £10,000
- Pension Scheme: Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress to senior social worker level
- Generous Annual Leave: 31 days (pro rata) plus bank holidays; option to purchase an additional 10 days per annum
- Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees
Pick your perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.
Council plan: Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-28 – details at the link below.
About Us
Herefordshire is a rural county with a strong focus on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are committed to flexible working and professional development, and we work with partners to protect vulnerable children and families. We emphasise relational practice and ongoing staff development.
All candidates will be considered, including those seeking flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments. The role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and pre-employment checks.
How to Apply and Additional Information
To apply, please submit your CV and complete the supporting statement within the application form, referencing the job description & person specification and detailing how you meet the role’s requirements.
Please note: the council is unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. A full list of current vacancies can be found at the council’s listing: https://spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs/
Closing date: 12/10/2025
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Senior Practitioner - Safeguarding & Support employer: Hoople
Contact Detail:
Hoople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Safeguarding & Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Senior Practitioner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching safeguarding practices and recent developments in social care. We want you to show your passion and knowledge during the interview, so brush up on those key topics!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to share specific examples of your work in safeguarding and support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team on this exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Safeguarding & Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and support, and don’t forget to showcase your qualifications. We want to see how you can make a positive impact!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. We love a good story!
Show Your Passion for the Role: Let your enthusiasm for safeguarding and supporting children and families come through in your application. We’re looking for dynamic individuals who are genuinely passionate about making a difference. Don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in safeguarding practices and the specific challenges faced by children and families in Herefordshire. Brush up on relevant legislation and frameworks, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in social care, especially any experience in mentoring or training others. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've positively impacted teams or individual cases, as this aligns with the role's focus on development and support.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Based Practice
Since the role highlights relational practice, be ready to talk about how you build and maintain relationships with colleagues, families, and partner agencies. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to connect and collaborate effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, and the council’s vision for safeguarding. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.