Locum Safeguarding Advanced Practitioner

Children’s Advanced Practitioner

Location: Gateshead Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary (3 months)

Duration: 3 months (with potential extension)

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Children’s Advanced Practitioner to join our dedicated Children’s Social Care team on a 3-month interim basis. This is a pivotal role for a highly skilled and reflective practitioner who can model best practice, provide expert guidance, and support the development of social work across the service.

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will hold a small, complex caseload while also providing professional support, mentoring, and practice oversight to colleagues. You will be instrumental in promoting a culture of high standards, reflective practice, and continuous improvement to ensure that all children and families receive the right help at the right time.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Lead by example in delivering high-quality, evidence-based social work interventions for children and families.
   

• Provide professional expertise and mentoring to social workers, supporting their development and ensuring consistent, high standards of practice.
   

• Manage a small caseload of complex and high-risk cases, ensuring timely and proportionate responses to safeguarding and welfare concerns.
   

• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and promote a learning culture within the team.
   

• Work closely with managers and partner agencies to ensure effective multi-agency collaboration and child-centred planning.
   

• Support quality assurance processes by contributing to audits, case reviews, and reflective discussions.
   

• Promote a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-focused approach in all interactions with children, families, and professionals.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including complex casework and safeguarding.
   

• Proven ability to support and mentor less experienced practitioners.
   

• Strong understanding of current legislation, guidance, and best practice in children’s social work.
   

• Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
   

• Commitment to delivering positive outcomes and promoting the wellbeing of children and families.

Why Join?

This short-term opportunity offers an excellent platform for a confident and experienced practitioner to make a tangible impact within Gateshead Council’s Children’s Services. You’ll work within a supportive and forward-thinking environment that values professional integrity, reflective supervision, and high-quality social work practice.

Interested? Apply today to join Gateshead Council as a Children’s Advanced Practitioner and contribute to improving the lives of children and families in the local community.