Senior Practitioner - Kinship Team

Connect2Socialwork is currently recruiting on behalf of a council in Kent for an experienced and passionate Senior Practitioner / Senior Social Worker to join their dedicated Kinship Team. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families by supporting kinship care arrangements.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in assessing and supporting kinship carers, ensuring children can remain safely within their extended families or networks. Working collaboratively with colleagues across children's services, legal teams, and external partners, the postholder will deliver high-quality, child-centred social work practice.

This position offers the chance to influence positive outcomes for children and young people while developing leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake complex kinship assessments, including viability, SGO, and fostering assessments
• Provide support and supervision to kinship carers
• Contribute to care planning and permanence decisions
• Mentor and guide less experienced staff
• Represent the service in court proceedings and multi-agency meetings
• Support service development and quality assurance initiatives

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with registration with Social Work England
• Recognised Social Work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, PGC, CQSW, DipSW)
• Completion of ASYE
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care
• Strong assessment, analytical, and communication skills
• In-depth understanding of the legal and policy framework surrounding kinship care
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and inclusive service delivery
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment

Benefits Package

• Market allowance of £3,000 per annum (paid monthly)
• Retention payment of £2,000 per annum (after two years' service)
• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Essential car user allowance and lease car option after six months
• Free car parking
• Hybrid working model (minimum two days in the office per week)
• Relocation package up to £8,000
• Access to staff discounts, wellbeing support, and employee assistance services
• Professional development resources including Community Care Inform

This role is subject to an Enhanced Children's DBS Check.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please apply to this job advert or should you wish to discuss other opportunities, permanent / locum, please contact Penny Cronje on 07563 570049 or email a CV to penny.cronje@csltd.org.uk

About Connect2SocialWork

Connect2SocialWork is wholly owned by Kent County Council. In addition to our links with KCC, we have managed services in place with Hampshire County Council, Luton Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Dudley Metropolitan Council and Dorset Council. We also provide available work with the majority of the local authorities

Connect2Socialwork is a trading style of Commercial Services Trading LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Socialwork is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.