Locum Safeguarding Practice Manager

Practice Manager – Mental Health and Wellness Team

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Practice Manager to join the Mental Health and Wellness Team at the London Borough of Waltham Forest on a 3-month locum contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) to lead and supervise a team of social workers and support staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant, and person-centred social care practice.  

You will play a key role in managing complex caseloads, supporting effective triage, and acting as Duty Lead. Your work will contribute directly to maximising the independence, safety, and wellbeing of adults and older people across the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and professionally supervise a team of qualified social workers and support staff within the Mental Health and Wellness Team.
• Ensure high-quality, legally compliant practice across all aspects of service delivery, meeting agreed standards and timescales.
• Undertake complex social care assessments and develop person-led support plans that meet individual needs and desired outcomes.
• Act as Duty Lead, managing triage processes, prioritising caseloads, and coordinating responses to urgent cases.
• Provide expert guidance on complex cases, ensuring risk is appropriately assessed and managed.
• Work collaboratively with adults, older people, families, and partner agencies to deliver effective, culturally sensitive interventions.
• Represent the council at multi-agency meetings and contribute to strategic discussions around service delivery and risk management.
• Promote independence, wellbeing, and inclusion for adults and older people, in line with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation.
• Ensure effective information sharing and coordination between internal teams, external partners, and statutory agencies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with other professionals, while confidently challenging decisions when necessary.

About You

 
You are a highly skilled and reflective social work professional with leadership experience in adult or mental health services. You are confident managing complex casework, supervising staff, and promoting best practice across a multi-disciplinary team. You demonstrate emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead with compassion and authority in challenging situations.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) status essential.
• Significant post-qualifying experience working in adult mental health, wellness, or social care settings.
• Experience supervising and managing teams, providing casework oversight, and supporting professional development.
• Strong understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983, Care Act 2014, and associated legislation.
• Excellent risk assessment, analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to engage with adults, older people, and partner agencies effectively and empathetically.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and ICT proficiency.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Service Area: Mental Health and Wellness Team
• Contract Length: 3 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced and qualified Practice Manager with AMHP status, ready to lead a dedicated team and make a positive impact within Waltham Forest’s Mental Health and Wellness Service, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.