Advanced Practitioner - Child Protection Team

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Advanced Practitioner – Child Protection Team

Pay Rate: £33.30 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is seeking an experienced Advanced Practitioner to join its Child Protection Team.
You will lead on complex safeguarding work, support practitioners with decision-making, and ensure high-quality intervention for children and families at risk of significant harm.

This role requires strong analytical skills, confidence in managing risk, and the ability to support junior staff through reflective practice and robust oversight.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead on complex Section 47 enquiries and Child Protection processes.
  • Provide professional guidance and support to Social Workers within the team.
  • Oversee safety planning and intervention to ensure robust risk management.
  • Carry out high-level assessments and produce court-standard reports.
  • Chair multi-agency meetings where required and contribute to decision-making.
  • Model best practice and contribute to service development.
  • Ensure the child’s voice and lived experience are central to all planning.

Practice Model Used by Stoke

Stoke works within a Strengths-Based Practice Model, supported by Signs of Safety.
This approach emphasises:

  • Transparent, collaborative work with families
  • Clear, structured risk assessment
  • Identifying strengths and support networks
  • Consistent reflective supervision
  • Solution-focused planning to improve outcomes
  • The model is embedded across the service and underpins Stoke’s focus on safe, relationship-based practice.

Why Stoke Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Stoke-on-Trent offers excellent affordability, connectivity, and quality of life:

  • One of the most affordable housing markets in the Midlands.
  • Great transport links to Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
  • Known as “The Potteries,” home to cultural attractions such as Gladstone Pottery Museum and Trentham Gardens.
  • Friendly communities with excellent schools, parks, and local amenities.
  • A stable local authority investing in improvement, staff development, and supportive practice environments.
  • It’s a great location if you want a strong work-life balance with plenty of opportunity for professional growth.

Interested?

To apply, please send your CV to:
📧 dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com

For more information, call:
📞 07561 805654