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 combines direct casework with leadership responsibilities, supporting colleagues while ensuring high-quality, child-centred social work.
As an Advanced Practitioner, you will handle complex safeguarding cases, mentor social workers, and contribute to service improvement across Children’s Services.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex safeguarding and child protection cases in line with statutory frameworks.
Provide professional supervision, mentoring, and reflective support to social workers and support staff.
Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families to inform decision-making and planning.
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 participate in multi-agency meetings to ensure coordinated support.
Work directly with children, families, and carers to build strong relationships and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in line with council policy and legislation.
Contribute to audits, quality assurance, and continuous service development within Children’s Services.
About You
You are a confident and motivated social worker with significant experience in children’s services. You can manage complex cases while mentoring colleagues and promoting reflective, high-quality practice.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience in Children’s Services, including safeguarding and complex case management.
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
Proven experience of supervising, mentoring, or supporting colleagues.
Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with a demanding caseload.
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 to step into 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**.