Senior Practitioner – Leaving Care Service
- South East England
- £42.00 per hour
- Contract
- Full-time
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.
- 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.
- 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.