3 Month Contract With A local Authority

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is seeking an experienced Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join the Family Safeguarding Team in Horsham. The role focuses on providing high-quality, relationship-based practice to improve outcomes for children and families, promoting their safety and wellbeing.

You will manage a varied and complex caseload, undertaking assessments, interventions, and safeguarding work in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). You will work collaboratively within a multi-agency environment to assess risk, plan interventions, and support families to make sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and families where there are concerns for safeguarding and wellbeing.
  

• Undertake robust assessments and produce high-quality reports that identify risk and need.
  

• Carry out direct work with children and families to understand their experiences and identify appropriate interventions.
  

• Participate in and contribute to child protection conferences, core groups, and care planning meetings.
  

• Apply professional judgement and decision-making in complex situations with confidence and autonomy.
  

• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure effective safeguarding practice.
  

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case recordings in line with WSCC policies and statutory requirements.
  

• Support the implementation of the Family Safeguarding Model, including use of motivational interviewing techniques (training provided).
  

• Promote equality, diversity, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
  

• Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
  

• Social Work England registration (active).
  

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
  

• Minimum 3 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care within a local authority in England (direct, permanent employment).
  

• Significant experience in frontline safeguarding and child protection work.
  

• Proven ability to undertake quality assessments, identify risks, and plan appropriate interventions.
  

• Experience in multi-agency working and effective partnership collaboration.
  

• Strong communication, report-writing, and relationship-based practice skills.