Advanced Practitioner - Children's Mental Health

Advanced Practitioner – Children’s Social Care
Location: Southend on sea - Hybrid working available - 2 days on site minimum
Salary: [£46,142-£52,413
Contract: Fullt time, Permanent, 37 hours per week

Are you a skilled social worker with experience supporting vulnerable children and their families? Do you want to make a real difference while mentoring the next generation of practitioners?
I am working on behalf of Southend on Sea borough Council and I'm seeking an Advanced Practitioner who will manage complex cases involving some of the most vulnerable children in the community. You will provide professional, comprehensive casework for a caseload of children and young people, ensuring safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes.
You will support children with disabilities and their families, prepare reports, care plans, and court statements, and work collaboratively with a range of agencies, organisations, parents, and carers. You will also mentor and guide less experienced colleagues, helping them develop their skills and confidence.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone committed to child-focused practice, multi-agency working, and delivering interventions that help children reach their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional casework and support for children, young people, and families.
• Conduct thorough assessments and investigations, producing clear, evidence-based action plans.
• Ensure all practice meets statutory requirements, council policies, and safeguarding standards.
• Prepare and submit reports, statements, and care plans for Family Proceedings, County, and High Courts.
• Supervise Family Support Workers, overseeing direct work and reviewing outcomes.
• Lead allocation and oversight of transition plans for young people moving into adulthood.
• Maintain accurate records using ICT and report on key performance data.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to deliver needs-led services.
• Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in all aspects of your practice.

Person Specification Qualifications & Registration:

• Recognised social work qualification.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Post-qualification awards desirable.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Expertise in child protection, looked after children, and child-in-need practice.
• Knowledge of social work intervention methods and relevant legislation/policies.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary working with children and families.
• Strong assessment skills in statutory social work settings.
• Excellent verbal, written, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Competent in ICT and case management systems.

Core Competencies:

• Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering quality services.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to support, mentor, and role model.
• Adaptable and resilient under pressure.
• Analytical with sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly organized, with effective planning and performance management skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to travel within the borough and occasionally outside.
• Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Why apply?:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
• Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

Apply Today: Send over your most recent CV to Nicola.mansfield@servicecare.org.uk or call me on 01772 208964