Social Worker - Family Safeguarding

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority 

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality statutory social work services to children, young people and families within the Family Safeguarding Service, undertaking assessments, safeguarding interventions and child protection work to improve outcomes and reduce risk.

The postholder will work directly with children and families to assess need, identify risks and implement effective plans that support children to remain safely within their families wherever possible. Working within a multi-agency environment, the role requires strong assessment, safeguarding and relationship-based practice skills, alongside a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Child Protection

• Manage a caseload of children, young people and families requiring statutory intervention.
  
• Undertake child and family assessments in accordance with legislation and local procedures.
  
• Complete Child in Need, Child Protection and Public Law Outline work as required.
  
• Investigate safeguarding concerns and undertake Section 47 enquiries.
  
• Identify, assess and manage risks to children and young people.
  
• Develop, implement and review child-centred plans to improve outcomes.
  
• Ensure children are safeguarded in line with legislation, policy and best practice.
  

Direct Work with Children & Families

• Build effective relationships with children, young people and families.
  
• Undertake direct work with children to understand their views, wishes and experiences.
  
• Ensure the child's voice is central to assessment and planning processes.
  
• Support families to make sustainable changes that reduce risk and improve outcomes.
  
• Promote strengths-based and relationship-based practice.
  

Assessment & Care Planning

• Complete high-quality assessments that accurately identify risk, need and protective factors.
  
• Develop outcome-focused plans based on assessment findings.
  
• Prepare reports, assessments and recommendations for meetings, conferences and court proceedings.
  
• Monitor and review progress against agreed plans and objectives.
  
• Ensure statutory timescales are met.
  

Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with:
  
  • Schools
    
  • Health Professionals
    
  • Police
    
  • Early Help Services
    
  • Legal Services
    
  • Partner Agencies
    
• Attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to decision-making processes.
  
• Promote effective information sharing and coordinated support.
  

Court & Statutory Duties

• Participate in pre-proceedings and care proceedings where required.
  
• Prepare court reports, statements and evidence.
  
• Attend court hearings when necessary.
  
• Ensure all work complies with Children Act legislation and statutory guidance.
  

Recording & Professional Practice

• Maintain accurate and timely case recordings.
  
• Ensure all documentation meets required standards.
  
• Participate in supervision, training and professional development activities.
  
• Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
  
• Work in accordance with Social Work England standards.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Social Worker.
  
• Social Work England registration.
  
• Minimum of 3 years post-qualified experience within Local Authority Children's Social Care in England.
  
• Recent frontline Child Protection experience.
  
• Experience undertaking:
  
  • Child and Family Assessments
    
  • Child Protection Investigations
    
  • Section 47 Enquiries
    
  • Care Planning
    
  • Safeguarding Work
    
• Strong assessment and risk analysis skills.
  
• Experience undertaking direct work with children and young people.
  
• Ability to identify and respond to safeguarding risks effectively.
  
• Experience working within multi-agency safeguarding environments.
  
• Strong report writing and case recording skills.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel throughout the western area of the county.
  

Desirable

• Experience within a Family Safeguarding Model.
  
• Court work and pre-proceedings experience.
  
• Experience within Children's Assessment, Safeguarding or Child Protection Teams.
  
• Practice Educator or mentoring experience.
  

Additional Information

• Location: County Hall, Chichester (Covering Chichester, Bognor and Western Area)
  
• Working Pattern: Full Time – Hybrid (2 Days Office-Based Plus 1 Duty Day Per Week)
  
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments