Senior Practitioner – Child in Care – Walsall

Job Description

Senior Practitioner – Child in Care (CIC)
£33.30 per hour | 37 hours per week | Inside IR35
Location: Walsall Council | Hybrid (2 office days per week)

Walsall Council is seeking a skilled and confident Senior Practitioner to join our Child in Care (CIC) Team. This post is designed for experienced professionals ready to take on responsibilities aligned with Assistant Team Manager level, offering senior-level support across casework, supervision, and leadership.

You’ll work within a motivated team dedicated to providing positive outcomes for children and young people. Your role will involve both direct case management and mentoring responsibilities, ensuring newer staff feel supported and standards of care are consistently high.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hold a small, manageable caseload of children in care

• Provide reflective supervision to the team’s Family Support Worker

• Support the Team Manager in day-to-day operations and service delivery

• Chair statutory meetings and ensure statutory visits and care plans are completed to a high standard

• Contribute to life journey work and ensure recording is accurate, timely and reflective of good practice

• Mentor and support less experienced staff, helping to develop practice and confidence

• Communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, and professionals

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualified experience in a permanent role

• Significant experience in Child in Need and/or Children in Care settings

• Strong practice leadership and case management skills

• Ability to chair meetings, manage risk, and support staff development

• Excellent communication, report writing, and organisational skills

This hybrid role requires office presence 2 days a week, with flexibility to work from home otherwise. You’ll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team in a council dedicated to child-centred practice and positive development.

Ardent Social is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation.