Job Description: Social Worker
Service Area: Children's Services / Adults' Services (as applicable)
Directorate: People's Services
Engagement Type: Agency Worker
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Reporting to: Team Manager
Location: Local Authority Offices / Hybrid (service dependent)
Job Purpose
To deliver a high-quality statutory social work service in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and Department for Education (DfE) regulations. The post holder will manage a caseload of children, young people, adults, and/or families (service dependent), undertaking assessments, planning, intervention, and review to promote safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Statutory Social Work Practice
Undertake statutory assessments, interventions, and reviews in line with legislative frameworks and local authority procedures.
Develop and implement outcome-focused plans that promote safety, independence, and wellbeing.
Maintain clear, accurate, and timely case records on the authority's case management system.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
Identify, assess, and manage risk appropriately.
Undertake safeguarding enquiries and contribute to protection planning where required.
Apply relevant legislation and statutory guidance consistently and defensibly.
Case Management
Manage a complex caseload, prioritising work to meet statutory timescales.
Prepare high-quality reports for meetings, panels, and court where applicable.
Work effectively with individuals, families, carers, and partner agencies.
Multi-Agency Working
Work collaboratively with health, education, housing, police, and voluntary sector partners.
Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, reviews, and conferences.
Communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Professional Standards & Governance
Practice in accordance with professional standards, ethical frameworks, and organisational policies.
Engage in supervision, reflective practice, and service development activities.
Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and sound decision-making.
Mandatory Compliance & Eligibility Requirements
DfE Notice Period Compliance:
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
The worker must understand and comply with the mandatory 4-week notice period, in line with DfE regulations.
Post-Qualification Experience (PQE):
Minimum 2 years post-ASYE experience – essential
Minimum 3 years permanent post-qualification experience (PQE) in line with DfE requirements – essential
Rate Confirmation:
The agency must confirm the submitted pay rate at the point of submission.
Essential
Qualifications & Registration
Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work.
Current registration with Social Work England.
Right to work in the UK.
Essential
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
Proven experience managing complex cases within statutory social work services.
Strong assessment, analysis, and care planning skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with service users, families, and professionals.
High-quality report writing and case recording skills.
Ability to manage workload and prioritise effectively.
Personal Attributes
Professional, reliable, and accountable
Resilient and able to work under pressure
Ethical and reflective practitioner
Committed to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion
Additional Information
This role is subject to full agency compliance checks.
All statutory and DfE requirements must be met prior to commencement.
Assignment continuation is subject to performance, service need, and compliance with notice requirements.