Advanced Practitioner - Looked After Children
Posted 23rd Sep, 2026
Location
Waltham Forest
Working pattern
Full-time – 36 hours per week
Working arrangements
Office based
30th Sep, 2026
Incentives
This role is subject to a £3,000 per annum retention bonus.
About the role
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough, driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, developing new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded — focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.
The Looked After Children Advanced Practitioner plays a crucial role in overseeing the welfare and development of children within the care system. This role involves supporting the Team Manager in the implementation and monitoring of care strategies, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery to meet the needs of looked-after children.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deputising for the Team Manager as needed to ensure smooth team operations
- Supervising up to three staff, guiding and supporting their casework
- Facilitating PSG meetings at least twice monthly, focusing on serious case reviews and reflective learning
- Overseeing all leaving care transfers, ensuring timely referral to panels and supporting social workers through the process
- Managing a caseload of up to five cases, organising the duty rota, and serving as duty manager
Please note that this role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; applicants must already hold a form of UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship.
About you
We are looking for an experienced social work professional with a strong background in children and families settings, who is confident in managing complex casework and supporting others to deliver high-quality care. The successful candidate will bring both expertise and a commitment to the welfare of looked-after children.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a recognised social work qualification and maintain active registration with the relevant professional body
- Have extensive post-qualification experience in Children & Families statutory settings
- Have experience handling complex casework within statutory children's services
- Demonstrate experience with prioritisation, care planning, and service delivery
- Have a proven ability to assess complex risks and make evidence-based decisions
- Be able to analyse information comprehensively to inform sound decision-making
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and opposing all forms of discrimination. This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check, safer recruitment practices, satisfactory employment references, CIFAS identity checks, and a declaration of interest.
About Waltham Forest
We know what social work is WORTH! Make the difference to the lives of children and families in Waltham Forest!
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, our borough is a fantastic place where people want to live, work and play.
Why join us at Waltham Forest?
9 out of 10 staff in our social care teams enjoy our strong learning culture, which focuses on new and emerging trends
We invest in your development to help you find your niche, specialising in areas underpinned by a clear strengths-based approach
Inspiring leadership and ambition rated Outstanding
Diverse and inclusive teams who improve lives and make a real difference – a safe and inclusive environment, with active employee-led networks and initiatives
A brand-new Town Hall HQ at Fellowship Square, with innovative and flexible workspace
What our staff say
As a borough which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, we believe that it is important for you to hear from a cross-section of staff working within Waltham Forest. Watch a selection of our staff case studies below.
A rewarding role in an Ofsted rated GOOD children’s services department
Stable leadership rated by Ofsted as OUTSTANDING
Strong Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offer including Virtual Reality (VR) training
Competitive salaries and retention bonuses
A range of health & Wellbeing initiatives and vibrant staff-led networks such as our Race Equality Network
Flexible working options
Manageable caseloads
Travel season ticket loan, cycle scheme, Local Authority pension
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Advanced Practitioner - Looked After Children in London employer: London Social Work for Children
Haringey Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to professional development through the Haringey Academy and access to clinical support, social workers are empowered to make meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families. Located in the dynamic borough of Haringey, employees benefit from a supportive environment, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey towards excellence in children's services.
Contact Details:
London Social Work for Children Recruitment Team
