In Southend City Council’s Families First Service, relationships matter, practice is purposeful, and children are truly at the centre of everything we do.

Our Families First Service is driven by a clear and ambitious vision: to deliver effective, compassionate, and truly child-centred support that makes a lasting difference.

At the heart of our work is our practice model: Relational, Systemic and Decisive. This isn’t just a framework, it’s how we work every day. We believe that the best outcomes for children come from strong, meaningful relationships and a deep understanding of the surrounding environment.

We work with families, building on their strengths, supporting change, and addressing challenges with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This is a place where practice is thoughtful, purposeful, and focused on what really matters: improving children’s lives.

By joining Southend City Council as an Advanced Practitioner, you will be key to making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that:

·       All paths lead back to the child.

·       We spend time getting to know each child and their story.

·       We do what we say we're going to do.

·       We work with the whole family.

·       No matter what, we aim to make things better.

You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer that has been designed by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focussing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager.

Southend-on-Sea City Council are looking to appoint a full time, permanent Families First Advanced Practitioner.

As the newly appointed Advanced Practitioner, it will be your responsibility to skilfully manage complex cases with the most vulnerable children in the community and in Southend Council’s care, whilst mentoring and supporting less experienced colleagues to grow and develop as practitioners.

Within this post, you will provide comprehensive professional casework to a caseload of children and young people, some of which will be complex and sensitive cases which require the highest of professional standards, and in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and practice methods, as well as providing efficient and cost-effective service to children, young people and their families, ensuring that the needs of the children and their parents/carers are professionally assessed, this is to ensure that the welfare of children and young people are safeguarded and protected within the legal and statutory obligations of Southend City Council. 

You will be required to contribute to the overall performance of the team in order to meet service requirements, key performance targets and statutory requirements of social service legislation.

There will also be a need to prepare and submit written reports as and when required, including statements and care plans for care proceedings in the Family Proceedings and County/High Courts. As well as this, you will proactively liaise with and work in partnership with other agencies, organisations, parents and carers.

You will take responsibility for some areas of work in the day-to-day running of the team, including supervision of identified team members and deputise for the Team Manager in all or some of their functions as required in their absence. 

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week. 

Duty is 1 week out of 6.

You are required to be a driver and have use of a car.

To be successful in this position, you must have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE.

You need to have 3+ years experience of working within Children's Frontline services and have knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated child in need; social work practice is essential, along with knowledge of methods of social work intervention.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.