Lead Child Protection Practitioner – 6 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Child Protection Leadership

• Enhance the consistency of Child Protection practices countywide.
  
  


• Lead and facilitate effective multi-agency decision-making.
  
  


• Offer independent oversight of Child Protection procedures.
  
  


• Serve as a primary source of expertise and consultation for practitioners and managers.
  
  


• Foster practice improvement and professional development.
  
  

Strategy Discussions & Section 47 Investigations

• Guide decision-making for Strategy Discussions and Meetings.
  
  


• Chair Strategy Discussions and coordinate multi-agency planning.
  
  


• Decide on the necessity of Section 47 investigations.
  
  


• Track investigation progress and ensure adherence to timelines.
  
  


• Collaborate closely with Social Workers and Practice Supervisors throughout the Child Protection process.
  
  

Child Protection Conferences

• Prepare for and chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences.
  
  


• Ensure Child Protection Plans are focused, outcome-oriented, and clearly communicated to families.
  
  


• Engage with parents and significant family members before conferences.
  
  


• Support children and young people in participating in the Child Protection process.
  
  


• Ensure advocacy services are available and accessible.
  
  

Quality Assurance & Practice Improvement

• Conduct audits, dip sampling, and quality assurance activities.
  
  


• Identify exemplary practices and areas needing improvement.
  
  


• Contribute to learning reviews and practice development initiatives.
  
  


• Facilitate reflective case discussions and professional consultations.
  
  


• Support workforce development and learning activities.
  
  

Multi-Agency Working

• Establish effective working relationships with:
  
  
  
  • Social Workers
    
    
  
  
  • Health Professionals
    
    
  
  
  • Education Services
    
    
  
  
  • Police
    
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding Partners
    
    
  
  
  • Voluntary Sector Organisations
    
    
  
  


• Promote effective information sharing and collaborative safeguarding practices.
  
  


• Support the development of county-wide safeguarding standards and procedures.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Chair:
  
  
  
  • Child Protection Conferences
    
    
  
  
  • Supervision Order Reviews
    
    
  
  
  • Interim Supervision Order Reviews
    
    
  
  
  • Short Break Reviews for Children with Disabilities under Child Protection Plans
    
    
  
  


• Contribute to thematic reviews and safeguarding learning events.
  
  


• Utilize data and case analysis to support service development.
  
  


• Escalate concerns about drift, delay, or poor practice as necessary.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
  
  


• At least 5 years' post-qualifying experience in a frontline Child Protection setting.
  
  


• Extensive experience in chairing Child Protection Conferences and leading safeguarding processes.
  
  


• Strong knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Child Protection
    
    
  
  
  • Section 47 Investigations
    
    
  
  
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
    
    
  
  
  • Child in Need Processes
    
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding Practice Reviews
    
    
  
  
  • Public Law Outline
    
    
  
  


• In-depth understanding of the Families First Programme Guidance.
  
  


• Experience in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
  
  


• Significant experience in quality assurance, auditing, and practice improvement.
  
  


• Excellent report-writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to provide challenge, support, and professional leadership.
  
  


• Experience in supporting and developing frontline practitioners.
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Quality Assurance, IRO, CP Chair, or Safeguarding Practice role.
  
  


• Experience in developing safeguarding policies and procedures.
  
  


• Experience in leading service improvement programmes.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £44.79 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 6 Month Contract
  
  


• Full-Time Office-Based Role
  
  


• Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List Required
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to play a leading role in enhancing Child Protection practices across Lincolnshire.
  
  


• High-profile safeguarding position with significant multi-agency involvement.
  
  


• Opportunity to influence practice standards, quality assurance, and service improvement.