Senior Practitioner - Children's Safeguarding Team

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Senior Practitioner – Children’s Safeguarding 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 Senior Practitioner to join its Children’s Safeguarding Team.
This role involves supporting social workers with complex safeguarding cases while ensuring high standards of practice across Child in Need and Child Protection work.

You will play a key leadership role within the team, offering guidance, oversight, and support to practitioners while maintaining your own complex caseload.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support Social Workers with complex Child Protection and safeguarding cases.
  • Lead on Section 47 enquiries and risk management planning.
  • Provide professional advice and mentoring to colleagues.
  • Carry out high-quality assessments and develop clear safety plans.
  • Work closely with partner agencies including schools, police, and health professionals.
  • Prepare analytical reports for court and multi-agency meetings.
  • Ensure the child’s voice and lived experience remain central to planning and decision making.

Practice Model Used by Stoke

Stoke-on-Trent Children’s Services uses a Strengths-Based Practice Model, supported by Signs of Safety principles.
This framework focuses on:

  • Collaborative, transparent work with families
  • Building on family strengths and support networks
  • Clear risk analysis and safety planning
  • Relationship-based practice with children and families
  • Reflective supervision and continuous professional development
  • This model supports strong decision-making and high-quality safeguarding practice.

Why Stoke-on-Trent Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Stoke-on-Trent offers a great balance of affordability, connectivity, and community lifestyle:

  • One of the most affordable areas in the Midlands for housing and living costs.
  • Excellent transport links to Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
  • Famous for its pottery heritage, with attractions like Gladstone Pottery Museum.
  • Beautiful nearby green spaces including Trentham Gardens and access to countryside across Staffordshire.
  • A supportive council focused on improving services, developing staff, and strengthening safeguarding practice.
  • It’s an excellent location for social workers looking for strong career opportunities and a balanced lifestyle.

Interested?

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

For more information, call:
📞 07561 805654