At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support complex cases in safeguarding children and families.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: £10,000 welcome payment, £4,000 retention payment, flexible working, and 31 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with clear progression pathways and a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Social Work degree, registration, and extensive experience in Child Protection.
Senior Practitioner – Safeguarding & Support Team
Herefordshire Council continues to make significant strides in improving outcomes for children and families, investing heavily in their workforce and infrastructure. The Safeguarding & Support Service plays a vital role in this progress, providing stability and reflective supervision for practitioners at every level.
About the Role
As a Senior Practitioner in the Safeguarding & Support Team, you’ll provide both leadership and direct casework expertise. Working closely with your Team Manager, you’ll oversee complex cases, support newly qualified staff, and model best practice within the Family Safeguarding framework. You’ll have the autonomy to make key decisions, shape service delivery, and ensure children and families receive high-quality, timely interventions. This is an ideal step for an experienced social worker ready to influence and develop practice standards within a supportive and forward-looking authority.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold a reduced caseload of complex Child in Need, Child Protection, and Court cases.
- Provide guidance and reflective support to less experienced team members.
- Contribute to performance management and quality assurance activities.
- Chair or co-chair multi-agency meetings where appropriate.
- Model best practice in assessment, planning, and intervention.
- Maintain accurate records and reports using the MOSAIC system.
Practice Model
Herefordshire’s Family Safeguarding Model emphasises restorative, relationship-based practice supported by embedded adult specialists in domestic abuse, substance misuse, and mental health. Senior Practitioners play a key part in driving this approach forward — ensuring the model is consistently applied and rooted in collaboration, reflection, and professional curiosity. The Council promotes a culture of Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice, giving practitioners the tools and supervision they need to help families achieve sustainable change.
Requirements
- Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
- Social Work England registration.
- Extensive experience within Child Protection, CIN, or Court work.
- Proven ability to mentor and support colleagues in practice.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Pool cars available for work travel.
- Sponsorship available for candidates with 2+ years UK experience.
Benefits
- £10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Protected professional development time and training budget.
- Clear progression pathways to management roles.
- Flexible working: flexi-time, job share, part-time hours, and hybrid options.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Payment of Social Work England registration fees.
- “Pick Your Perks” benefits portal offering discounts on retail, health, leisure and travel.
- 31 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
Interested?
Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips to discuss this role in more detail.
Referral Bonus: Know someone perfect for the role? We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.
Senior Practitoner in Hereford employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through a supportive and innovative work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including a £10,000 Welcome Payment and £4,000 Retention Payment, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, reflection, and the pursuit of excellence in safeguarding practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitoner in Hereford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Sheldon Phillips Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Sheldon Phillips Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Sheldon Phillips Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Sheldon Phillips Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitoner in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Sheldon Phillips Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sheldon Phillips Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
