At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team to support children and families.
- Company: Join Tameside Children's Services at a pivotal moment of growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a champion for children's rights and help create safer communities.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and significant frontline child protection experience required.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade J. Scale 40 - £51,356 to Scale 43 - £54,495 with a professional bar at Scale 41 - £52,413
Hours Per Week: 36
Base Location: Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH
Assessment Date: 20th & 21st July 2026
Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Do you bring compassion, curiosity, collaboration, conversation and courage to your practice? If so, Tameside is looking for you. Join us at an exciting time for Tameside Children's Services as we develop our Multi-Agency Child Protection Team. The Lead Child Protection Practitioner will play an integral role in shaping and strengthening this function.
Key responsibilities
- A recognised social work qualification with significant frontline child protection experience and strong knowledge of statutory frameworks
- Expertise in identifying and responding to all forms of harm, including extra‐familial harm
- Confidence in working collaboratively and effectively with families
- Ability to support multi‐agency partners to understand and address risks within wider community and peer contexts
- A strong commitment to anti‐discriminatory, inclusive practice that reflects and respects diverse family needs
- A clear focus on ensuring the child's best interests remain central to all decision‐making, including in complex exploitation contexts
About you
You will be an experienced social worker looking to take the next step in your career. As this is a newly developed role, you will be creative, proactive, and responsive in supporting the ongoing development of the service. You will bring passion and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Tameside.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, and multi‐agency partners
- Work collaboratively with partners, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently
- Share your knowledge and experience to help shape and strengthen practice across the team
- Be registered with Social Work England
If you have interest and expertise in one or more of the following areas – domestic abuse, adolescent risk, or supporting pre‐birth assessments – we would be keen to hear from you.
Professional requirements
This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria.
- Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above AND a management qualification
- Minimum of 2 years post‐qualification experience in the role
- Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable
- Professional standards practised to the highest expected level
Other information
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures.
For further information about this role please contact Kayleigh Treanor, Head of Quality, Practice Assurance and Principal Social Worker on 0161 342 3398 or kayleigh.treanor@tameside.gov.uk
Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Denton employer: Tameside Council
Tameside Children's Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong focus on professional development, our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and innovation, allowing you to thrive in your role as a Lead Child Protection Practitioner. Located in the heart of Ashton-under-Lyne, we offer competitive salaries and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to shaping a brighter future for our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Denton
✨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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Denton
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 Tameside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tameside 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 Tameside 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.
