Advanced Family and Adolescent Practitioner - Chlidrens Social Care

Advanced Adolescent Practitioner

Directorate: Children and Family Services

Section: Children's Social Care

Grade: Level 9

Hours: 37 hours per week, with flexibility to support shift, evening and weekend services

This advert is open both internal and external applicants

About us

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset. The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city. We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.

Further information on why work for us.

Join Our Children and Families Service

We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation. We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.

The Role

You will lead and supervise frontline practitioners delivering targeted support to adolescents and families affected by exploitation, risk-taking behaviour and harm outside the home. Working closely with Family Help, the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and community partners, you will ensure families receive timely, coordinated and effective support.

About You

• An NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification in childcare, children's social care,health or education, or a willingness to work towards one.
• In-depth knowledge of adolescent development, contextual harm, exploitation, safeguarding and risk management.
• Significant experience of working with vulnerable children and families in a senior role.
• Proven experience of managing, supervising and developing frontline staff.
• Strong quality-assurance, performance-analysis and decision-making skills.
• The confidence to work across agencies, challenge constructively and maintain high practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide line management, case supervision and professional oversight to Adolescent Workers and Adolescent Parenting Practitioners.
• Review and allocate referrals, assessments, plans, reviews and closures, recording clear management rationale.
• Ensure children and families receive timely, responsive, whole-family interventions that address contextual harm.
• Build effective partnerships with Family Help, education, health, police, voluntary organisations and community groups.
• Analyse performance and quality information, identify learning needs and drive improvements in practice.
• Contribute to service transformation, policy development, training and the management duty rota.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a specialist service responding to some of the most complex risks facing adolescents.
• Develop a skilled workforce and shape Stoke-on-Trent's approach to harm outside the home.
• Work within an ambitious partnership model focused on early, coordinated intervention.

What we offer

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
• Hybrid and flexible working options, where these are compatible with theneeds of the role and service.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training and apprenticeship and management programmes.

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found online.

Interviews will be taking place on Wednesday 12th August at the Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH

Want to know more?

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:

Heidi Pinchen Principal Manager Adolescent Services - Children & Families

Heidi.Pinchen@stoke.gov.uk

Pre-employment checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Proof of address.
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
• A DBS check at the appropriate level.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Additional information

If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.

Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.

To Apply

Please create or log in to your account and click 'apply'. If you have any queries or need an application form in another format, email recruitment@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 238189.

• Do you have the Right to Work in the UK?

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