Locum Child Protection Advanced Practitioner
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Advanced Practitioner – Children’s Services (Stoke-on-Trent City Council)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Advanced Practitioner (Qualified Social Worker)** to join **Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Children’s Services team**. This senior practice role involves leading on complex safeguarding cases, providing professional supervision, and ensuring the highest standards of child-centred social work.
As an Advanced Practitioner, you will combine direct work with children and families with mentoring, service development, and quality assurance responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex child protection and safeguarding cases in line with statutory requirements.
Provide professional supervision, mentoring, and reflective support to social workers and support staff.
Undertake detailed assessments of children and families to inform planning and decision-making.
Develop, implement, and review tailored care and protection plans.
Prepare and present clear, evidence-based reports for court, child protection conferences, and statutory reviews.
Chair and actively contribute to multi-agency meetings, ensuring effective and coordinated support.
Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and carers to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in line with council policy and legislation.
Contribute to audits, service development, and continuous quality improvement within Children’s Services.
About You
You are a confident and resilient social worker with significant post-qualification experience in children’s services. You have a strong track record in safeguarding, mentoring colleagues, and delivering child-focused practice.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience in Children’s Services, including safeguarding and court work.
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Proven experience of supervising, mentoring, or supporting colleagues in a practice setting.
Excellent assessment, communication, and report-writing skills.
Ability to manage a demanding caseload alongside leadership responsibilities.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **Stoke-on-Trent City Council**
Service: Children’s Services
Contract type: Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Qualified Social Worker looking for an advanced role within Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Children’s Services team, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.