Social Worker Senior Practitioner - Families First Team in Seaham, County Durham

Job Title: Social Worker Senior Practitioner – Families First Team
Specialism: Social Worker – Children
Location: Seaham, UK
Salary: £32.73 per hour
Type: Ongoing, Part Time / Full Time

Social Worker Senior Practitioner within the Families First Team in Seaham, earning £32.73 per hour. This ongoing locum opportunity offers both part-time and full-time flexibility, providing an excellent chance to join Durham County Council's Children’s Services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people, and families. As a Senior Practitioner, you will take a lead role in managing complex cases, supporting colleagues, and driving high-quality, strengths-based practice within a collaborative multi-agency environment.

Perks and benefits

• Part Time / Full Time: Choose a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Hourly Pay: Earn £32.73 per hour, providing flexibility and rewarding your expertise and commitment.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from ongoing training, leadership development, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated multi-agency team committed to safeguarding and achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
• Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in supporting vulnerable children and strengthening family resilience within the community.
• Supportive Culture: Access professional guidance and resources to help you thrive in your role.

What you will do

• Case Management: Manage a complex caseload involving children, young people, and families requiring intervention and support.
• Assessment and Planning: Undertake high-quality assessments, care planning, interventions, and reviews in accordance with statutory guidance and legislation.
• Practice Leadership: Lead on complex cases, providing expert advice, support, and guidance to colleagues.
• Mentoring: Coach and support Social Workers and team members to promote professional development and best practice.
• Multi-Agency Working: Collaborate with education, health, police, and partner agencies to deliver coordinated and effective support.
• Court Work: Prepare detailed assessments, reports, and evidence for court proceedings where required.
• Safeguarding: Identify and manage safeguarding concerns, ensuring children are protected and supported appropriately.
• Strengths-Based Practice: Promote approaches that empower families and deliver sustainable positive outcomes.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant case records in line with council policies and professional standards.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Social Work Qualification: Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Registration: Current Social Work England registration.
• Experience: Significant post-qualification experience working within Children's Social Care.
• Safeguarding Expertise: Experience managing complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
• Legislative Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and related statutory guidance.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to provide professional leadership, mentoring, and support to colleagues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent assessment, analytical, report-writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Child-Centred Practice: Commitment to strengths-based and child-focused approaches that deliver positive outcomes.

Why Seaham

Seaham offers a fantastic coastal lifestyle, combining stunning sea views, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Rich in heritage and surrounded by picturesque countryside, it provides an excellent quality of life while still offering easy access to larger towns and cities across the North East. Seaham is an ideal place to develop your career while enjoying a rewarding and balanced lifestyle.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award-winning agency for roles. With an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews and many prestigious industry awards, we are dedicated to finding you the best possible rates in roles that match your skills and experience.

Apply now

Take the next step in your social work career and join the Families First Team in Seaham with Sanctuary Personnel.