Experienced Social Worker

The vacancy is for an assessment and intervention team Job Description: Social Worker – Assessment to Permanence Job Purpose To provide high-quality social work services to children and families from initial referral and assessment through to achieving permanence. This includes undertaking statutory assessments, managing risk, planning for children’s futures, and ensuring timely, stable, and safe long-term outcomes. Key Responsibilities

1. Assessment and Planning Undertake comprehensive statutory assessments (e.g. Child & Family Assessments) in line with legislative frameworks and local procedures. Analyse risk, need, and protective factors to inform evidence-based decision-making. Develop and implement clear, outcome-focused care plans for children and families. Ensure the child’s voice is central to all assessments and planning.

2. Safeguarding and Risk Management Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring children are protected from harm. Lead or contribute to Child in Need, Child Protection, and Public Law Outline (PLO) processes. Prepare high-quality reports for case conferences, court proceedings, and reviews. Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to manage and reduce risk.

3. Intervention and Direct Work Build effective, purposeful relationships with children, young people, and families. Deliver direct work aimed at improving outcomes and reducing risks. Support families to make and sustain changes within agreed timescales. Coordinate services and resources to meet identified needs.

4. Court Work and Legal Proceedings Prepare evidence and documentation for care proceedings in line with court requirements. Work closely with legal teams to progress cases effectively. Provide clear analytical reports and attend court as required. Ensure care plans are robust, realistic, and focused on permanence.

5. Permanence Planning Progress timely permanence plans, including: Reunification Kinship care Long-term fostering Adoption Special guardianship

Ensure permanence planning begins early and is actively reviewed. Minimise drift and delay for children in the care system. Support transitions to permanent homes and placements.

6. Care Planning and Review Act as the allocated social worker for children in care. Develop, implement, and review care plans in partnership with children, families, and professionals. Attend statutory reviews and implement recommendations. Promote stability, educational achievement, and emotional well-being.

7. Partnership and Multi-Agency Working Work collaboratively with partner agencies (health, education, police, legal, voluntary sector). Contribute to multi-agency meetings and planning forums. Maintain effective communication to ensure coordinated support.

8. Recording and Accountability Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality case records. Ensure all recording meets statutory requirements and reflects professional analysis. Be accountable for decisions and practice in line with professional standards.

9. Professional Development Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy, and best practice in children’s social care. Participate in supervision, training, and reflective practice. Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

Key Skills and Competencies Strong analytical and assessment skills Ability to manage complex cases and competing demands Excellent written and verbal communication Resilience and emotional intelligence Sound judgement and decision-making Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice Ability to work effectively under pressure and within timescales Qualifications and Requirements Social Work degree (or equivalent recognised qualification) Registration with Social Work England Experience in children’s statutory social work (assessment, safeguarding, or care planning) Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together guidance)

Outcomes/Performance Expectations Timely, high-quality assessments and care planning Reduced risk and improved outcomes for children Achievement of permanence within appropriate timescales Positive feedback from children, families, and partners Strong compliance with statutory requirements and service standards