At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection efforts and support multi-agency decision making for at-risk children.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and generous holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community committed to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of child protection.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in complex children's social work required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner within the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, you will be a recognised expert in child protection.
You will support proportionate, timely and evidence-based multi-agency decision making where children may be at risk of significant harm.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialist child protection consultation to Family Help Lead Practitioners, Practice Leads and managers.
- Support section 47 enquiries, joint visits, safety planning and evidence-based decision making.
- Chair strategy discussions, child protection conferences and other relevant safeguarding meetings.
- Work directly with children and families to understand daily lived experience and strengthen engagement in safety planning.
- Oversee appropriate information sharing and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and escalated when necessary.
- Contribute to audits, performance monitoring, practice guidance, mentoring and service development.
- Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health clearance.
- Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
- A DBS check at the appropriate level.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset.
The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city.
We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.
We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation.
We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.
A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
Qualifications
- Considerable experience of complex children's social work, including section 47 enquiries, court work and looked-after children legislation.
- Extensive and current knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, child development and risk assessment.
- Experience of chairing complex, emotionally charged meetings and reaching robust decisions.
- Strong consultation, mentoring and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge practice and professional networks.
- A clear commitment to restorative, relational and anti-discriminatory practice.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a unitary authority employing approximately 4,600 staff who deliver 700 services to more than 260,000 residents.
Our city comprises of six towns: Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall.
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future.
We have undergone significant changes over the last few years.
New ways of working have already transformed many service areas and we are determined to continue to develop more innovative approaches to ensure that we can maximise the benefits of transformation.
Our city Although the 13th largest city in the UK, Stoke-on-Trent is rapidly outstripping a number of parts of the country with our economic growth and recovery.
Stoke-on-Trent is a city with a strong sense of civic pride - we've been voted the kindest city in the UK - and a place where you'll receive a hugely warm welcome.
We have a rich and diverse culture, steeped in our prestigious industrial heritage as the celebrated 'world capital of ceramics'.
But we don't just want to celebrate our proud past - we firmly believe that Stoke-on-Trent's best years are ahead of it.
We are determined to raise aspirations and match them with high-quality education and health provision, as well as improved opportunities to secure fulfilling and well-paid work.
Through uniting social and economic opportunities, we are maximising the full power of the city council as a secure and steadfast institution within the city.
- Key Highlights
- Join a new multi-agency model designed to strengthen child protection decision making.
- Use your expertise to influence practice across Family Help and Children's Social Care.
- Play a central role in improving safety and outcomes for children across Stoke-on-Trent.
When you work for Stoke-on-Trent City Council you'll be helping to improve the lives and wellbeing of our residents.
We'll provide you with support, learning opportunities and flexible working options and some amazing benefits.
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options, where these are compatible with the needs of the role and service.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training and apprenticeship and management programmes.
- Generous holidays.
- An excellent defined local authority benefit pension scheme.
- Annual leave purchase scheme.
- Cycle to work schemes.
- Lifestyle benefits offering discounts such as family days out, travel, retail and many more.
- Our Commitment to You
Vibrancy and diversity are two of Stoke-on-Trent's greatest assets.
A city founded on creative endeavour should value and celebrate the multitude of voices, ideas and identities that shape its culture.
We are committed to creating a culture which is truly inclusive, where all staff feel valued, listened to, supported and able to do their work to the best of their abilities at all times.
And we must ensure that our decisions and policies nurture and empower communities across our city and do not inadvertently disadvantage groups and individuals that we want to help to thrive.
Our approach to Equality and Diversity is an invitation to all our communities to work with and for us so we can continue to improve how we deliver services residents need.
Our employee networks are inclusive, open forums for colleagues with similar lived experiences.
They allow staff to meet, support and mentor each other, alongside being a voice for under-represented groups to advise and support the organisation when developing policies and services.
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Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and community engagement. With hybrid working options and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful housing repairs and projects that enhance the local community. The council prioritises employee well-being and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
✨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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council!
✨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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council, 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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council 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 Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stoke-on-Trent City Council! 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 Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨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.
