Childrens Senior Practitioner – Children with Disabilities Team – #OR111320

Job Description

Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Practitioner to join its specialist Children with Disabilities (CWD) Team in Grays, Essex. This is a meaningful opportunity to lead complex casework, mentor colleagues, and drive improved outcomes for children and young people with disabilities and their families.

You will manage a varied caseload spanning Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children in Care, leading high-quality assessments, developing outcome-focused care plans, and chairing statutory CIN reviews. You will provide practice leadership by mentoring less experienced social workers and NQSWs, contributing to reflective supervision and quality assurance processes including auditing and service development.

The role requires strong multi-agency collaboration with health, education, and partner organisations, and confident court work including report writing and giving evidence. Knowledge of SEND legislation, the Children Acts, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and Deprivation of Liberty Orders is essential.

Candidates must hold a Social Work degree or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England. Substantial experience within a statutory Children with Disabilities setting is essential. An Enhanced DBS check including the Children’s Barred List is required.

Rate: £24.48 – £31.96 per hour (via Prism). Start date: 28 September 2026, based at New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL.

If you are a passionate, experienced children’s social worker ready to champion the rights and welfare of children with disabilities, apply now.

What’s on offer:

* Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
* Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
* A desirable location with great transport links
* A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment

Why join Semester.co.uk?

* Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills
* Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in-house payroll
* Enhanced DBS processing included
* Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support
* Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location

Ready to take the next step? Click ‘Apply’ now to express your interest in this role, or explore other exciting opportunities with Semester.co.uk.