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Senior practitioner

Summary
Manage complex cases, provide quality assurance and support less experienced social workers
Other names
Advanced practitioner, practice lead, consultant social worker, senior social worker

What you'll do

As a senior practitioner you'll:

  • supervise less experienced social workers and practitioners to achieve positive outcomes for children and families 
  • lead on complex cases and chair key meetings such as case reviews and core group meetings
  • collect and analyse information and present your findings at strategic meetings
  • monitor and assess the quality of work carried out by social workers
  • develop training and track the development of less experienced social workers
  • help develop and implement relevant policies and procedures
  • carry out case reviews and provide feedback to improve social workers' skills and practice
  • work with multi-partner agencies to support children and families 
  • model good practice for less experienced social workers and support their well-being

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • a strong understanding of child and family social work principles, theories and practices
  • communication skills to articulate and deliver your views to varied audiences
  • the ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise accordingly
  • analytical skills to assess complex situations and come up with effective solutions
  • the ability to build positive relationships with families and external partners
  • to be committed to continuous professional development

How to become one

To become a senior practitioner you must:

  • have completed a degree, apprenticeship or graduate training scheme in social work
  • be registered with Social Work England
  • ideally have at least 3 years' experience as a qualified child and family social worker

Career paths and progression

With experience you could:

  • progress into a management role such as team manager or service manager 
  • study for a postgraduate MA in Advanced Professional Practice with a local authority
  • become a practice educator and train and mentor students
  • further specialise in specific areas of social work practice
  • research or study for a PhD

Current opportunities

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