Job Title: Senior Social Worker – Family Safeguarding
Department: Children's Services
Hours: 37 Hours per Week
Contract Duration: 3 Months (Potential Extension)
Pay Rate: £38.93
The Senior Social Worker will play a key role within the Family Safeguarding Team, working directly with children, young people, and families to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of children. The post holder will manage complex and high-risk cases, undertake statutory assessments, develop and implement care plans, and contribute to safeguarding interventions that promote positive outcomes for children and families.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong professional judgement, a child-centred approach, and the ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to support vulnerable children and reduce risk.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Case Management & Assessment
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Manage a diverse and complex caseload involving children in need, child protection, looked-after children, and court proceedings.
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Undertake comprehensive assessments of children, young people, and families in accordance with statutory requirements and organisational procedures.
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Develop, implement, monitor, and review child-focused care and support plans.
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Conduct direct work with children and families to identify needs, strengths, and risks.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
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Assess and manage risk effectively, making evidence-based recommendations and decisions to safeguard children.
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Lead and contribute to child protection investigations and safeguarding enquiries.
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Initiate and participate in strategy discussions, child protection conferences, core groups, and other safeguarding forums.
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Take appropriate action where there are concerns regarding child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or significant harm.
Court & Legal Processes
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Prepare high-quality reports, assessments, statements, and care plans for court proceedings.
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Provide evidence and professional opinion in court where required.
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Work collaboratively with legal services and other professionals to support care proceedings and statutory interventions.
Multi-Agency Working
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Develop and maintain effective partnerships with children, families, carers, schools, health professionals, police, and other statutory and voluntary agencies.
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Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings and planning forums.
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Coordinate services and interventions to ensure children and families receive appropriate support.
Family Support & Intervention
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Deliver preventative and restorative interventions aimed at reducing risk and promoting family resilience.
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Support families to access resources and services that improve outcomes for children.
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Review intervention effectiveness and adapt plans to meet changing needs.
Recording & Quality Assurance
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Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive case records in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
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Ensure all assessments, reports, and documentation meet professional standards.
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Contribute to service development, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Professional Leadership
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Provide guidance and support to less experienced social workers where appropriate.
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Promote best practice and uphold professional standards within the team.
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Engage in supervision, reflective practice, and continuous professional development.
Qualifications & Professional Registration
Degree in Social Work (BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent recognised qualification).
Registration with Social Work England.
Minimum 3 years Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) working within Children's Social Care.
Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Degree in Social Work (BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent recognised qualification).
Registration with Social Work England.
Minimum 3 years Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) working within Children's Social Care.
Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
