Senior Practitioner - Children's Services - ABS

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Practitioner to join our Children & Families Team in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, based within the newly developed Ellon Family Centre. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, community-focused environment supporting integrated, relationship-based practice.

You will take a lead role within the team, providing oversight of complex cases, supervising support staff, and supporting less experienced colleagues to maintain high standards of practice. You will manage a varied and demanding caseload, including child protection, looked after children and court work, and will deputise for the Team Manager when required, contributing to operational oversight and decision-making.

You will bring significant experience in children and families services, with a strong understanding of current legislation and best practice. You will be confident in modelling high-quality practice and working effectively in partnership with children, families and multi-agency partners.

The role offers opportunities to contribute to service development and may involve occasional out-of-authority travel. You will be a reflective, resilient and organised practitioner, committed to continuous improvement and to supporting the ongoing development of the Family Centre model through innovative, collaborative and strengths-based approaches.

The successful candidate will possess relevant qualifications and/or specialist training in trauma-informed practice and be able to evidence the consistent application of trauma-informed principles across their daily practice. They will demonstrate a high level of competence in assessing and managing risk, effectively navigate complex casework, and show a strong commitment to service excellence, continuous improvement, and shaping the future development of the service.

In return, we offer a supportive management structure, regular supervision, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the Ellon community.

Expected Interview Date: 26 October 2026

Informal enquiries to Karen Sales -

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This post is regulated work with Children and/or Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required.

You will be required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

This post has a minimum requirement of two references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer.