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- Tasks: Lead complex child protection cases and support high-quality safeguarding interventions.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council's dedicated Multi-Agency Child Protection Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £10,000 welcome payment, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping safeguarding practices.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and significant frontline child protection experience required.
- Other info: Visa sponsorship available; excellent career progression and supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 51142 - 55269 £ per year.
Herefordshire Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Child Protection Practitioner to join its Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) on a permanent basis. This is a key safeguarding role for a practitioner who can lead on complex child protection work, support high standards across the service, and help shape strong multi-agency responses for children at risk.
This opportunity would suit a confident senior practitioner with strong frontline safeguarding experience, excellent risk analysis, and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who require it, with approval already in place.
Role Overview
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner within the MACPT, you will play a central role in supporting effective safeguarding interventions and driving high-quality practice across complex child protection work. You will work closely with social workers, managers, and partner agencies to ensure children receive timely, robust, and child-centred responses.
Key responsibilities
- Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases
- Support decision-making and quality assurance in relation to Section 47 enquiries
- Work closely with partners including Police, Health and Education to ensure effective multi-agency safeguarding responses
- Contribute to strategy discussions and meetings, with a clear focus on risk analysis and planning
- Offer coaching, mentoring and reflective support to social workers across the service
- Support the development of high standards of practice and continuous improvement
- Contribute to service development and help shape the next phase of improvement within children’s services
- Promote restorative and relational practice in all areas of work
Benefits
- Salary: HC10 £46,142 - £50,269
- £5,000 market forces supplement
- Total package of £51,142 - £55,269
- £10,000 welcome payment
- Relocation package up to £10,000
- 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Protected time and budget for professional development
- Clear career progression pathways
- Flexible working options including agile working, part-time hours and job share opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
- Payment of professional membership fees where applicable
- Access to a wide range of staff discounts and benefits
Requirements
- Social Work England registration
- Recognised Social Work qualification such as Degree in Social Work, DipSW or CQSW
- Significant frontline experience within child protection and safeguarding
- Strong analytical, assessment and decision-making skills
- Experience of working effectively in multi-agency safeguarding environments
- Ability to support, challenge and influence practice to improve outcomes for children
- A genuine commitment to developing others and embedding high standards
- Candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply
If you are an experienced safeguarding practitioner looking for a permanent opportunity where you can influence practice, support complex decision-making and make a genuine difference for children and families, this could be an excellent next step.
To find out more or apply, contact: Emily Cooper - (phone number removed)
Know someone suitable? We offer a referral bonus for successful recommendations.
Lead CP Practitioner in Hereford employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CP Practitioner in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the child protection field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current safeguarding practices and legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child protection during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, and don’t shy away from discussing your vision for improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to make an impact in child protection.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead CP Practitioner in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in child protection and safeguarding. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in risk analysis and multi-agency collaboration, as these are key for the role.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and young people shine through. Share why you’re passionate about child protection and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection laws and practices. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around Section 47 enquiries and multi-agency collaboration. This will show that you're not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your frontline safeguarding experience. Think about complex cases you've handled and how you supported decision-making and quality assurance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you'll need to show that you can lead and mentor others. Be ready to talk about times when you've coached or supported colleagues, and how you've contributed to service development. This will help illustrate your ability to drive high standards across the service.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges in child protection, and how the council measures success in safeguarding. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.