Location
The Willows, Swanley, supporting the Gravesham area in North Kent. The role requires mobility across the operational area of North Kent, including Dartford, Gravesham and Swale.

Hours
Full Time - Flexible blended working arrangements combining home and office-based work.

Salary
£51,489 per annum (dependent on experience and career grade progression)

About the Role
Join the North Kent Children In Care Service as a Senior Practitioner within the Gravesham Team. Kent County Council is an Outstanding Local Authority as rated by Ofsted, reflecting the high quality of service provided to children. You will be part of one of five established teams based at The Willows in Swanley, working with a varied and complex caseload of children in care. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, supported by a strong management team and quality supervision.

You will develop specialist practice areas and bring your expertise to complex cases. As a role model and champion for good practice, you will set performance expectations balancing support and oversight. You will coach and mentor less experienced staff and have opportunities to act as a Practice Assessor for ASYE and student social workers.

Your responsibilities will include joint visits, court attendance, case audits and reviews. You will contribute to working groups and multi-agency forums to support new initiatives and service development.

The role requires mobility across Kent and beyond to transport children and their belongings, including availability for emergency situations. A full UK driving licence is required, although reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants unable to drive due to disability.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England. The Council requires a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for effective job performance.

Experience
Post-qualification experience working with children and families, including systemic practice and managing complex cases within legislative and policy frameworks.

About you
Professionally registered social worker with a degree in social work (CQSW, DipSW or equivalent). A team player who acts as a role model and mentor to less experienced colleagues. Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and multi-agency partners across statutory, voluntary, and private sectors. Willingness to develop as a practitioner and contribute to training initiatives.

Qualifications
Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England. Full UK Driving Licence required (reasonable adjustments considered for disability).