Become an Advanced Practitioner for children and families 

An Advanced Practitioner is progression from a Grade 9 Social worker to an advanced Grade 10.

To achieve this Social Workers must follow a defined career progression structure, and demonstrate practice competence at an enhanced grade 10 level by using the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS).

The role at Grade 10 level follows confirmation at a progression interview and is that of ‘Advanced Practitioner’.

Person specification and job requirements

Advanced Practitioners must be able to demonstrate that they are more independent in their role and demonstrate:

• expert and effective practice in complex situations
• assessing and managing higher levels of risk
• striking a balance between support and control
• liaising with a wide range of professionals, including more senior levels

They will also be expected to:

• manage complex caseloads
• offer expert opinion within the organisation and to others
• chair a range of meetings
• offer expert support to case conferences
• produce high quality assessments and reports for a range of functions
• model good practice
• set expectations for others
• take responsibility and be accountable for the practice of others
• mentor newly qualified social workers
• supervise the work of junior staff
• facilitate the learning and development of others through “bitesize” masterclasses

Expression of interest

If you are interested in Advanced Practitioner role complete the online expression of interest form. 

Guidance and forms

• Advanced practitioner progression pathway handbook (MS Word, 114KB)

  provides useful information about the course, how it will be delivered and how it will be assessed.

• Endorsement comment form for service manager (MS Word, 93KB)

  This form is to be completed by the service manager towards the end of the course for the social worker as part of their panel submission.

• Questionnaire for social worker (MS Word, 94KB)

  This form is to be completed by the social worker towards the end of the course as part of their panel submission.

• Questionnaire for team manager (MS Word, 95KB)

  This form is to be completed by the team manager towards the end of the course for the social worker as part of their panel submission.

• Professional capabilities framework for social workers (PDF, 586KB)
• HCPC Standards of proficiency for social workers in England (PDF, 52KB)
• Knowledge and skills for child and family social work (PDF, 478KB)