AP - CIN/CP/Court (£37.54ph)

Location: Barnet - EN5

Contract: Ongoing

Rate: £37.54

Start: ASAP

About the Role: 

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Advanced Practitioner to join our Children & Families (C&F) Child Protection (CP) and Children in Need (CIN) Court Work Team. This is a senior practice role focused on managing complex safeguarding cases, leading best practice, and supporting high-quality court work to achieve positive outcomes for children and families. 

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will hold a reduced but complex caseload and play a key role in supporting and mentoring social workers, ensuring high standards of practice across the team. 

Key Responsibilities: 

- Manage a complex caseload involving Child Protection (CP) and Children in Need (CIN) cases 

- Lead on court work, including care proceedings, statements, and court reports 

- Undertake specialist assessments (risk assessments, parenting assessments, viability assessments) 

- Support and mentor social workers, promoting high-quality practice 

- Provide guidance on complex safeguarding and risk management decisions 

- Lead and contribute to Public Law Outline (PLO) processes and pre-proceedings work 

- Work collaboratively with legal services and multi-agency partners (health, police, education) 

- Ensure compliance with Children Act 1989 & 2004 and statutory safeguarding frameworks 

- Maintain high-quality case records and contribute to service improvement 

Essential Requirements: 

- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration 

- Significant experience in Child Protection, CIN, and court work 

- Proven ability to manage complex and high-risk cases 

- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, care proceedings, and court processes 

- Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced staff 

- Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills 

Desirable Experience: 

- Experience as a Senior Social Worker or Advanced Practitioner 

- Strong understanding of Public Law Outline (PLO) 

- Experience within a Court Work or Safeguarding Team 

Key Competencies: 

- Practice leadership and professional expertise 

- Decision-making and risk assessment 

- Coaching and mentoring skills 

- Child-focused and outcome-driven approach 

- Resilience and professional judgement