Senior Practitioner

Luton | Locum | £40.37 per hour | Hybrid Working

Luton Borough Council is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join their Looked After Children (LAC) Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner to take on a senior role, managing complex cases while supporting colleagues and driving high standards of practice to achieve the best outcomes for children in care.

You will play a key role in delivering high-quality care planning, permanence planning, and relationship-based practice, ensuring children and young people receive the stability and support they need to thrive.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a complex caseload of Looked After Children
• Undertake statutory visits and build meaningful relationships with children and young people
• Develop, implement, and review high-quality Care Plans and Permanence Plans
• Support reunification, long-term fostering, Special Guardianship, and adoption planning where appropriate
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and practice support to Social Workers within the team
• Lead on complex cases, including pre-proceedings and care proceedings where required
• Attend and contribute to Children in Care Reviews and multi-agency meetings
• Work collaboratively with foster carers, residential providers, education, health professionals, and partner agencies
• Prepare high-quality assessments, court reports, and statutory documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in line with statutory requirements

What You’ll Need:

• Social Work England Registration
• Social Work Qualification
• At least 5 years' post-qualified experience in children's social care
• Significant experience within a Looked After Children or Corporate Parenting team
• Strong knowledge of care planning, permanence planning, and safeguarding legislation
• Experience supporting or mentoring Social Workers
• Court work and legal planning experience
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to lead by example and promote high standards of practice

Why Sheldon Phillips?

Because we actually listen to what you need. We’re not just here to fill roles—we’re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That’s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers.

If you want to know more about this Senior Practitioner – Looked After Children (LAC) role in Luton, give Ellis Russell a call on 01635 226350 – let’s have a chat!

And don’t forget – if you refer a friend and we place them, you’ll get £300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply).