Senior Practitioner - Children's Safeguarding Team

  • Sheldon Phillips Ltd
  • Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire
  • Mar 17, 2026
Contractor Healthcare & Medical

Job Description

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:
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For more information, call:
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