At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection teams and ensure the safety of children in complex situations.
- Company: Join a friendly local authority committed to child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in child protection and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 51356 € per year.
Salary: £45,091 - £51,356
Full time: 37 hours per week
Permanent role based at Stopford House with some homeworking/remote working permitted.
Your Role
We are creating our multi‑agency child protection teams (MACPTs) and the Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP) role is integral to the functioning of this. The Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) guide outlines the new LCPP role – it should be embedded in the MACPT and LCPPs should:
- have substantial frontline child protection experience within children’s social care and an in‑depth knowledge of the statutory and legislative framework
- be skilled at identifying and responding to all types of significant harm, including extra‑familial harm
- know how to work skilfully and confidently with families and parents in child protection, including those who have demonstrated resistant, hostile and/or deceptive behaviour
- be passionate about improving outcomes for children and possess a strong competency in child protection knowledge
We are also recruiting to a Lead Child Protection Practitioner with Domestic Abuse Specialism; this role will focus on children experiencing harm from high‑risk and complex domestic abuse, including harmful practices and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It will involve providing advice and support in various domestic abuse forums and supporting the development of Compass, our Domestic Abuse Safeguarding and Intervention Hub. Applicants must have a comprehensive understanding of domestic abuse, the different forms that this can take and the key risks and protective factors/safety planning requirements for children and families, including honour‑based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM.
About You
We are looking for people who are:
- Dedicated to wanting to keep children safe and giving them the best opportunities
- Tenacious and passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children
- Strong in their verbal and written communication skills, to professionals, families, and children
- Able to work independently and thrive as part of a multi‑agency team
- Sees the benefit in sharing their practice knowledge and wisdom with others, whilst also offering respectful challenge when things aren’t right
- Registered with Social Work England
Benefits
You will be part of a friendly and ambitious local authority with an inclusive leadership team. We offer a hybrid way of working with some home working and flexibility in working hours. There will be an expectation to be office based for part of the week. You will receive a Stockport Council corporate induction, a welcoming induction specific to the service, and have access to a wide range of training and learning opportunities to support your development.
Legal Requirements and EEO Statements
The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this role does not qualify for sponsorship. Eligible at‑risk employees are entitled to have their applications considered ahead of internal employees in line with the Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We are proud to be recognized under the Good Employment Charter as an organization committed to the well‑being of our colleagues. We pledge to pay the real living wage, engage staff in key decisions and endorse fair and flexible working conditions. We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex‑military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner employer: Stockport Council
At Stockport Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to the well-being of our colleagues and the community. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample training and development opportunities for our staff. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a focus on improving outcomes for children, we offer a meaningful and rewarding environment for those passionate about child protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in child protection and social care. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or advice. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection legislation and frameworks. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've made a difference. Show us your passion for keeping children safe and how you can contribute to our multi-agency teams!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your values and expertise. Check out our website for the latest openings at StudySmarter. We’re all about making a positive impact, and we want you to be part of that journey!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the Lead Child Protection Practitioner position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for child protection shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about keeping children safe and improving their outcomes. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Lead Child Protection Practitioner role. Highlight your frontline experience and knowledge of statutory frameworks. We’re looking for specifics, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences!
Be Clear and Concise:Strong written communication is key in this role. Keep your application clear and concise, avoiding jargon where possible. We want to understand your thoughts easily, so structure your application well and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our hybrid working model. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection legislation and frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the Families First Partnership Programme and be ready to discuss how your frontline experience aligns with the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your dedication to keeping children safe shine through. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in your previous roles, especially when dealing with complex cases.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong verbal and written communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing sensitive topics like domestic abuse and significant harm.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to work within a multi-agency team. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with other professionals in the past and how you can contribute to the success of the new multi-agency child protection teams.
