Childrens Senior Practitioner – Kinship Assessment Team – #OR111301

Job Description

Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced Senior Practitioner to join its Kinship Assessment Team, based at the Civic Offices in Grays, Essex. This is a compelling opportunity to contribute to permanence planning for children and young people in complex family situations.

Working within a highly motivated team, you will undertake high-quality kinship assessments including Special Guardianship Order assessments and support plans, kinship fostering assessments, viability assessments, and Regulation 24 processes. You will deliver preparation workshops to kinship carers, provide consultation and support to colleagues across Children’s Services, and contribute to Fostering Panel where required. The team also holds lead responsibility for Private Fostering.

The successful candidate will hold a Social Work Degree, be registered with Social Work England, and bring a minimum of five years’ post-qualifying experience. A thorough knowledge of the Children Act and Fostering Regulations is essential, as is the ability to produce clear, analytical, evidence-based written assessments. Court attendance and giving evidence may be required. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are important given the borough’s geography.

Rate: £24.48–£31.96 per hour. Start date: 14 September 2026, via Prism. An enhanced DBS will be required.

If you have the skills and experience to make a real difference to children’s permanence outcomes, please get in touch today.

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.