At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support teams in delivering high-quality social care for children and families.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a proud and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping frontline practice.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in children's safeguarding and care planning.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
Directorate: Children and Family Services
Section: Children's Social Care
Grade: Level 13 (indicative)
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision. 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.
The Role
The Practice Lead is a key role within our Families First Partnership model, built on the belief that every child has the right to family life. You will provide expert practice leadership, supervision, coaching and challenge, helping practitioners deliver consistently strong, relational and legally compliant work with children and families. We have roles for practice leads in various teams including the integrated front door, family help, adolescent services and corporate parenting and also The Learning & Development Team. If you have a preferred area, please express this clearly in your application.
About You
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Considerable post-qualifying experience across children's safeguarding, children in need, court work and care planning.
- Extensive knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance, child development, risk and protective factors.
- Experience of reflective supervision, mentoring and developing both social work and alternatively qualified practitioners.
- The confidence to chair complex meetings, challenge practice and make sound evidence-based decisions in high-risk situations.
- A strong commitment to relational, strengths-based and anti-discriminatory practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide supervision, coaching and practice support to Lead Practitioners and wider team members.
- Offer expert advice and support for section 47 enquiries, risk assessment, safety planning and Public Law Outline activity.
- Chair core groups and other relevant meetings, ensuring clear decisions and reviewable actions.
- Support allocation and resource decisions, including the effective use of section 17 funding.
- Quality assure practice through observations, collaborative audits and performance oversight.
- Deputise for the Principal Manager and lead defined areas of practice, policy development and service improvement.
Why Join Us?
- Shape excellent frontline practice at the heart of the Families First Partnership model.
- Develop practitioners through high-quality supervision, coaching and professional challenge.
- Influence service improvement and help children remain safely within their families and networks.
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.
If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:
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.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Additional information
If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.
Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.
Practice Lead - Childrens Social Care employer: Stoke-on-Trent
Edge Hill Junior Academy is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on professional development and community engagement, teachers are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, the academy offers a vibrant atmosphere where educators can thrive and contribute to a positive learning experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Lead - Childrens Social Care
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Practice Lead - Childrens Social Care
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stoke-on-Trent! 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
✨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.
