Senior Practitioner – Looked After Children – Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Job Description

Advanced Social Worker – Looked After Children – Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is looking for an experienced Advanced Social Worker to join its Looked After Children Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to support children in care while contributing to staff development in a city known for its welcoming and collaborative approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of Looked After Children, focusing on long-term stability, care and placement planning, and improved outcomes.
• Contribute to the learning and development of colleagues, including ASYE and less experienced social workers.
• Support the team manager with peer reviews, reflective practice, and practice development initiatives.
• Work with children, families, and multi-agency partners to promote positive, sustainable care planning.
• Ensure compliance with statutory duties and best practice for children looked after.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker (QSW) registered with Social Work England.
• Completed ASYE and a minimum of 3 years’ post-ASYE experience.
• Experience in Looked After Children/Children in Care teams and supporting the development of peers.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, permanency planning, and court processes.

Why Join Us?

• Stoke-on-Trent is voted one of the friendliest cities in the UK!
• Locality-based working = minimal travel across a small geographical area.
• Free parking via Critical User Parking Permit.
• Opportunities to specialise as a ‘champion’ in areas of practice development.
• Access to city-wide Family Hubs offering a range of early help services.
• Strong, supportive management with regular 1:1 supervision, team meetings, peer reviews, and learning sessions.
• Hybrid working: 3+ days per week office-based.

Additional Information:

• Team: Looked After Children.
• Location: Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
• Full-time: 37 hours per week.
• Inside IR35.

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.