Social Worker Advanced Practitioner - Specialist Assessments Team - Stockton-on-Tees - Sanctuary Personal

Social Worker Advanced Practitioner – Specialist Assessments Team

Job Title: Social Worker Advanced Practitioner – Specialist Assessments Team
Specialism: Social Worker – Children
Location: Stockton-on-Tees, UK
Salary: £34.45 per hour
Type: Full Time (Ongoing)

Join Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as a Social Worker Advanced Practitioner – Specialist Assessments Team within Social Worker – Children services, earning £34.45 per hour. This ongoing full-time opportunity offers 37 hours per week and provides a unique non-caseholding role for an experienced practitioner passionate about delivering high-quality specialist assessments that support safeguarding, permanency planning, and positive outcomes for children and families.

Working within a progressive Children’s Services department, you will collaborate with social workers, managers, and multi-agency professionals, using your expertise to provide evidence-based assessments and recommendations for complex cases.

Perks and benefits

• Full Time: Enjoy the consistency and stability of a 37-hour working week.
• Hourly Pay: Earn a competitive rate of £34.45 per hour, rewarding your expertise and specialist knowledge.
• Professional Development: Access ongoing training, reflective supervision, and opportunities to expand your professional expertise.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a forward-thinking local authority committed to continuous improvement and excellent outcomes for children and families.
• Flexible Working: Benefit from working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Specialist Role: Focus on producing high-quality assessments without the demands of managing a traditional caseload.

What you will do

• Complete a range of specialist assessments, including ParentAssess, Parenting Assessments, Sibling Assessments, Capacity to Protect Assessments, Viability Assessments, and other complex assessment work.
• Produce detailed, evidence-based reports to support care planning, permanence planning, and court proceedings.
• Provide specialist analysis and recommendations to support decision-making in complex cases.
• Work closely with social workers, team managers, legal representatives, and partner agencies.
• Attend legal planning meetings, case discussions, and court hearings where required.
• Ensure all assessments are completed within statutory and organisational timescales.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes and permanency planning arrangements.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of current legislation, guidance, research, and best practice within Children’s Social Care.
• Support the development of high-quality practice across Children’s Services.
• Promote the voice, wishes, and feelings of children throughout all assessment and planning processes.

Requirements

• Social Work Qualification: Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Children’s Services Experience: Significant post-qualified experience within Children’s Social Care.
• Assessment Expertise: Extensive experience completing complex assessments and producing high-quality analytical reports.
• Court Work Experience: Experience contributing to court proceedings and legal planning processes.
• Legislative Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Children Act, safeguarding procedures, and relevant statutory guidance.
• Communication Skills: Excellent report-writing, assessment, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Judgement: Ability to provide robust recommendations and support complex decision-making.

Why Stockton-on-Tees

Stockton-on-Tees is a thriving borough that combines strong community values with ambitious plans for growth and improvement. Offering excellent local amenities, rich cultural heritage, attractive green spaces, and affordable living, Stockton-on-Tees provides an excellent environment for both professional development and personal wellbeing. It is a fantastic place to build your career while making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.