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Lead Child Protection Practitioner
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Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Directorate: Children and Family Services
Section: Children's Social Care
Grade: Level 14
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to both internal & External applicants
About Us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset. The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city. We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.
Further information on why work for us.
Join Our Children and Families Service
We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation. We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.
The Role
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner within the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, you will be a recognised expert in child protection. You will support proportionate, timely and evidence-based multi-agency decision making where children may be at risk of significant harm.
About You
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Considerable experience of complex children's social work, including section 47 enquiries, court work and looked-after children legislation.
- Extensive and current knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, child development and risk assessment.
- Experience of chairing complex, emotionally charged meetings and reaching robust decisions.
- Strong consultation, mentoring and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge practice and professional networks.
- A clear commitment to restorative, relational and anti-discriminatory practice.
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist child protection consultation to Family Help Lead Practitioners, Practice Leads and managers.
- Support section 47 enquiries, joint visits, safety planning and evidence-based decision making.
- Chair strategy discussions, child protection conferences and other relevant safeguarding meetings.
- Work directly with children and families to understand daily lived experience and strengthen engagement in safety planning.
- Oversee appropriate information sharing and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and escalated when necessary.
- Contribute to audits, performance monitoring, practice guidance, mentoring and service development.
Why Join Us?
- Join a new multi-agency model designed to strengthen child protection decision making.
- Use your expertise to influence practice across Family Help and Children's Social Care.
- Play a central role in improving safety and outcomes for children across Stoke-on-Trent.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options, where these are compatible with the needs of the role and service.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training and apprenticeship and management programmes.
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found online.
Want to know more?
If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:
Jane Stuart, FFP Manager - Children & Families
Pre-employment checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:
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- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health clearance.
- Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
- A DBS check at the appropriate level.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Additional Information
If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.
Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.
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