Job Description
3-months contract with a local authority
Job Purpose
Provide high‑quality practice leadership and support within the Family Help service to ensure children, young people and families receive timely, needs‑led, and effective support.
Oversee and guide Lead Practitioners to deliver robust assessments, effective family plans, multi‑agency collaboration and evidence‑based interventions.
Contribute to strong case management, quality assurance, reflective supervision and continuous improvement within the team.
Uphold the organisation’s values, vision and safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring practice that is child‑centred, relationship‑based and focused on positive change.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Practice Support
Promote the service positively to colleagues, partners and service users.
Support the Team Manager in allocating work to Lead Practitioners and maintaining oversight of case management.
Provide reflective supervision, practice guidance and professional challenge to Lead Practitioners.
Model and champion the Trust’s practice framework, ensuring it is embedded in everyday work.
Casework Oversight & Assessment
Oversee targeted Early Help and Section 17 Family Assessments, ensuring assessments are high quality, needs‑led and strengths‑based.
Support the development of multi‑agency Family Help plans and ensure robust review arrangements.
Complete or contribute to assessments and plans as required.
Visit children and families alongside or on behalf of Lead Practitioners when needed.
Multi‑Agency Working
Support the establishment of “Team Around the Family” (TAF) arrangements to deliver coordinated support.
Chair and facilitate multi‑agency meetings to implement and review support plans.
Engage safeguarding partners when concerns about significant harm arise.
Strengthen relationships with key agencies to support families in making sustainable positive changes.
Direct Work & Child‑Centred Practice
Support practitioners to build strong, positive and trusting relationships with children and young people.
Ensure children’s wishes, feelings and lived experiences are central to assessments and plans.
Promote Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) to encourage family‑led solutions.
Recording, Analysis & Quality Assurance
Ensure all casework is recorded accurately, promptly and to a high standard.
Collect, analyse and interpret information to inform decision‑making and safeguarding actions.
Support quality assurance through reflective case supervision, evidence‑based auditing and constructive feedback.
Professional Development & Reflective Practice
Keep up to date with legislation, policy changes, guidance and best practice.
Support team members in meeting professional development targets and regulatory requirements.
Participate in supervision, group reflection, workshops, team meetings, training and appraisal processes.
Service Improvement & Strategic Contribution
Contribute to practice development, service planning and improvement initiatives.
Ensure sustainability planning is embedded to build family resilience and reduce re‑referrals.
Undertake additional duties as required to meet operational needs.
Work flexibly, including outside normal office hours when necessary.
Experience Required
Extensive experience working with vulnerable children and families, supporting positive change.
Experience applying professional social work practice in complex situations.
Strong track record of multi‑agency partnership working to improve outcomes.
Experience supervising, supporting or mentoring students or colleagues.
Skills & Competencies
Deep understanding of legislation, statutory guidance and social work frameworks.
Ability to analyse complex information, assess risk and make sound, timely decisions.
Strong communication skills, able to present clear and accurate information across audiences.
High‑quality recording skills, with accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain resilience, composure and professional judgment under pressure.
Skilled in facilitating meetings, reflective discussion and collaborative planning.
Commitment to anti‑discriminatory practice, equality and cultural competence.
Qualifications
Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification.
Registration with Social Work England.
Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Additional Information
Enhanced children’s DBS check required.
No direct line management responsibilities.
Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required.
We work on a Bi weekly payment schedule.
The role closes on 27/04/2026, apply ASAP.
Requirements
Provide strong leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high‑quality services for children and families in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies
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