Senior Practitioner – Leaving Care Service

Senior Practitioner – Leaving Care Service – Medway Council

Rate: Up to £42 per hour
Location: Medway
Contract: Locum
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

Sheldon Phillips is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner Social Worker to join the Leaving Care Service at Medway Council on a locum basis.

This role offers the opportunity to work with children in care aged 16–17 and care-leavers aged 18+, supporting them to achieve their full potential and make a successful transition into independence. A hybrid working model is in place, with 3 days per week in the office.

The Leaving Care Service plays a vital role in ensuring care-experienced young people receive high-quality social work support, robust planning, and effective multi-agency interventions. This position is ideal for an experienced social worker looking for a senior practice role, with a focus on leading complex casework, mentoring colleagues, and delivering positive outcomes for young people.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Hold a reduced caseload of no more than 8 children in care or care leavers, managing complex cases with a focus on independence and positive outcomes.
  • Undertake focused, analytical assessments, SMART plans and reviews with clear objectives and outcome measures.
  • Provide practice guidance and mentoring to less experienced Social Workers and Personal Advisors.
  • Lead on an area of practice (e.g., contextual safeguarding, ETE, emotional wellbeing, court work) and share expertise within the team.
  • Champion the Signs of Safety practice model in all assessments and interventions.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports for statutory meetings and care proceedings.
  • Deliver group supervision sessions and contribute to the learning and development of others.
  • Build effective partnerships with statutory and voluntary agencies to support young people.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance and local policy.

Requirements:

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
  • Substantial experience in statutory children’s services, ideally with care leavers or adolescents.
  • Proven ability to manage complex cases and lead on risk management.
  • Strong skills in reflective practice, report writing, and care planning.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of the PCF at Experienced Social Worker level and the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for child and family practitioners.
  • Enhanced DBS check and full right to work in the UK.

Benefits of This Role:

  • Competitive pay rate of up to £42 per hour.
  • Flexible hybrid working model (3 days per week in the office).
  • Opportunity to take a lead role within a well-regarded Leaving Care Service.
  • Supportive and collaborative team environment.

For more details or to apply, contact: Fred Thomas – 07595 414 227 or email fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com.