Senior Practitioner - Child Protection CourtContract: PermanentLocation: HerefordHours: 37 hoursSalary: 09HC £38,223 - £42,403 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year £43,223 - £47,403)Relocation package of up to £10,000 available

The role

We are looking for a dynamic and passionate Senior Practitioner to help us on our improvement journey. Working within the Child Protection Court Team you will work collaboratively with partner agencies to make a positive difference to society and the families that we work with. Come and join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to gain the best for children and families in Herefordshire.

As a Senior Practitioner, you have the opportunity to help us with the ongoing development of our staff in their knowledge, experience and practice. You will closely work with the managers to develop the team and deliver high quality service to our children, young people, and families. You will provide coaching, mentoring, training and support to apprentices, step up students and family support workers. Leading on areas of practice development and training within the wider service, you will support with the implementation of our practice standards, quality assurance framework, professional values, policies and procedures.

You will be fully qualified (DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent), with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in statutory social care and dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for our children. This is an exciting opportunity to join our developing team and contribute to creating a safe and supportive, yet challenging, learning environment for Herefordshire’s work force. You will be supported by an established team with a strong commitment to relationship based practice, flexible working and professional development.Herefordshire is on a journey and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve and protect the children and young people within it.Herefordshire - Child Protection & Court TeamsThe Children’s Child Protection & Courts teams are based in the center of Hereford with good transport links to get around the City as needed. The staff are very welcoming and are always keen to offer help and guidance if needed to anyone new to the team. There are 5 teams which are made up of a Team Manager, 1 Senior Practitioner, 6 Social Workers and 4 family support workers. We work in Herefordshire working from the main office gives everyone a chance to catch up and meet new staff and ask any questions, there is also flexibility for working at home.We work alongside families in improving outcomes for their children, we have a restorative approach to social work and this is also evident in the team culture and senior management style as we are always available for discussions on complex matters which we work together to ensure the right outcome is achieved for our families.The Social Workers work closely with the Council’s Legal Team to complete Court applications this can be a learning experience for Social Workers but plenty of support is available to help when needed, we have court progression officers who support the teams in ensuring we meet court timescales and identify any training that may be required to ensure that our staff feel equipped & supported.Regular supervision takes place each month and you will have an allocated supervisor, who is available on a daily basis, for both formal and informal supervision sessions and case discussions.We are happy to welcome new Social Workers so please considerJoining usWe Offer

A competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
Basic Salary of £38,223 - £42,403 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year £43,223 - £47,403)
Welcome payment £5,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams
Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS)
Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers. We have a diverse and comprehensive training offer in place to support you in your role.
Career progression: clear pathways to progress and supported by the Social Care Academy to be a work based supervisor with the potential to become a Practice Educator as a development pathway.
Generous Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum
Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
Payment of professional membership fees
Pick your perks - our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.

About UsHerefordshire is a beautiful, historic county located in the heart of the Marches on the border with Wales. We are one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England with a wealth of unspoilt countryside, distinctive heritage, and lively and attractive market towns.