3 Month Contract With A local Authority

An experienced and skilled social worker is required to join a fast-paced Child in Need (CIN) team. The successful candidate will carry a complex caseload, including children on Child in Need and Child Protection (CP) plans, and will be expected to initiate court proceedings, complete statutory assessments, and produce high-quality court reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a complex caseload of children and families, including those subject to CIN and CP plans.
  

• Complete statutory Family Assessments within required timescales, using evidence-based tools and direct work with children and families.
  

• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need and Child Protection plans in partnership with families and multi-agency professionals.
  

• Initiate and progress care proceedings where necessary, ensuring robust planning and legal compliance.
  

• Prepare and present high-quality court documentation, including Section 7 (S7) and Section 37 (S37) reports, for Family and Public Law proceedings.
  

• Attend and contribute to Child Protection Conferences, core group meetings, legal planning meetings, and court hearings as required.
  

• Maintain clear, accurate, and up-to-date case records and reports, in line with statutory requirements and local policies.
  

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., health, education, police) to ensure children's needs are met holistically.
  

• Provide mentorship and support to less experienced staff, students, or newly qualified social workers (NQSWs), where appropriate.
  

• Adhere to statutory guidance, local safeguarding procedures, and the Social Work England Professional Standards.
  

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
  

• Extensive post-qualification experience in statutory children's social work, particularly CIN, CP, and court work.
  

• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and court processes.
  

• Skilled in completing high-quality assessments, risk analysis, and planning under pressure.
  

• Confident in working autonomously and making complex decisions in the best interests of children.
  

• Enhanced DBS