At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection efforts and support multi-agency decision making for children's safety.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services and community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and influence positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, experience in complex cases, and strong safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Children and Family Services
37 hours per week
This advert is open to both internal & 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. 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.
Join Our Children and Families Service
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
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.
About You
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- 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.
Key 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.
Why Join Us?
- 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
