About Us
Durham Children's Services is committed to providing outstanding care and support for children and young people in our community. Our goal is to ensure that every child in our care achieves their full potential in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Practitioner to join our Looked After Children team.
Role Overview
As a Senior Practitioner for Looked After Children, you will be a vital member of our team, providing expert support and guidance to ensure the highest standards of care and planning for children and young people in our care. You will work collaboratively with social workers, carers, and other professionals to create and implement effective care plans that meet the individual needs of each child.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Management: Lead on complex cases, providing expert advice and support to social workers and other team members.
- Supervision: Offer regular supervision and mentorship to social workers, helping them develop their skills and ensuring best practice.
- Care Planning: Develop, implement, and review care plans for looked after children, ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and needs of looked after children, ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.
- Collaboration: Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including health, education, and legal professionals, to ensure comprehensive support for children.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services provided, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.
- Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records, preparing reports as required for internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
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Essential:
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Qualified Social Worker with a current registration with Social Work England.
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Significant experience in children's social care, particularly with looked after children.
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Proven ability to manage complex cases and provide supervision and mentorship.
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Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Desirable:
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Previous experience in a senior practitioner role or similar.
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Advanced training or qualifications in child protection and safeguarding.
Skills and Attributes
- Commitment to promoting the welfare and rights of looked after children.
- Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High level of organizational and time-management skills.
- Resilience and the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging cases.