At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and collaborate with multi-agency teams to protect children.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for families and children.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on innovation and partnership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through collaborative child protection work.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with at least five years' experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 55227 - 63675 £ per year.
This is an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity to join Thurrock Council's Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and play a key role in safeguarding children and improving outcomes for families across the borough. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Child Protection Practitioner to provide specialist safeguarding expertise, oversee complex child protection interventions, and drive high-quality multi-agency practice that delivers meaningful and lasting change for children at risk of significant harm.
A key feature of this role is working within our recently established Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, bringing together professionals from children's social care, police, health, education and other safeguarding partners. By working side by side, sharing expertise and providing constructive challenge, we ensure that risks are identified early, decisions are robust, and children receive the coordinated protection and support they need.
About the Role
- Consult with, guide and advise multi-agency practitioners on child protection concerns;
- Oversee multi-agency decision-making and activity relating to child protection plans, drawing on evidence-based insights and consultations with the MACPT, family help lead practitioners and other practitioners, agencies and organisations;
- Chair Child Protection Conferences, Strategy Meetings and other multi-agency safeguarding forums;
- Coordinate effective multi-agency responses to risk and harm;
- Ensure children's wishes, feelings and lived experiences are central to assessment and planning;
- Develop strong working relationships with children and families by undertaking home visits where necessary;
- Build professional relationships with safeguarding partners, involving them in the Child Protection process;
- Undertake quality assurance activities, audits and practice reviews to drive continuous improvement;
- Support workforce development through training, coaching and the sharing of best practice.
About You
- You will be a qualified and experienced social work professional who can demonstrate:
- Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration;
- A minimum of five years' post-qualification experience within Children's Services;
- Significant experience of child protection and safeguarding practice;
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children;
- Experience of chairing complex multi-agency meetings and conferences;
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills;
- The confidence to provide constructive challenge and make sound professional decisions in complex situations;
- A commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Why Thurrock?
At Thurrock, we are ambitious for our children and young people. We are committed to creating a culture where children are at the heart of everything we do, where practitioners are supported to develop, and where innovation and collaboration are valued. As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will be part of a highly collaborative multi-agency safeguarding environment, working alongside police, health, education and other key partners to protect children and strengthen outcomes for families. This integrated approach gives practitioners the opportunity to influence decision-making, share expertise across agencies and be part of a team that is collectively committed to keeping children safe in a way that makes a real difference to the lives of Children and Families.
If you are passionate about safeguarding children and believe that the best outcomes are achieved through strong partnership working, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement;
- Local Government Pension Scheme;
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable);
- Ongoing training and professional development;
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support;
- Staff discounts and local offers;
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Important Dates
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 24th September 2026;
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 4th October 2026;
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Jenny Read - Children's Business Operations Co-ordinator jxread@thurrock.gov.uk
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document).
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As an Education Lead Adviser based in Grays, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while collaborating with dedicated professionals in a multi-agency environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth and community engagement, Thurrock Council provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about safeguarding and educational attainment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Grays
✨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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Grays
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 Thurrock Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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.
