3 Month Contract With A Local Authority Job Purpose To hold and manage a caseload of Children in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children as allocated by the Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager. This includes undertaking assessments, formulating, monitoring, and managing plans for children in partnership with multi-agency professionals to ensure timely and positive outcomes for children and young people. Key Accountabilities Caseload Management: Hold, manage, and prioritise a caseload of Children in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children. Assessment & Planning: Assess children and families’ needs; develop, monitor, and review care plans in line with statutory requirements. Safeguarding: Identify risks, take appropriate protective action, investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, and apply for statutory orders when required. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Liaise with partner agencies, attend and chair meetings, and coordinate interventions to achieve best outcomes for children. Service User Engagement: Promote participation of children, young people, and families in decision-making; provide advice, support, and advocacy. Court & Legal Duties: Prepare reports, provide professional opinions, and give evidence in care or other proceedings. Documentation & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records, reports, and electronic systems in line with departmental standards. Professional Development: Engage in supervision, performance appraisals, and competency-based assessments; support own continuous professional development. Preventative & Supportive Work: Undertake early intervention to prevent care placements; support families and carers to care safely for children. Team & Student Support (Grade K): Supervise and guide Social Work students and less experienced staff; provide mentorship and assessment where applicable. Strategic Contribution: Contribute to service planning, identify transition points, and provide interventions that support long-term positive outcomes for children. Requirements Fully qualified social worker (CQSW, DipSW, CSS, PQCCA) Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Grade K: Successfully passing Level 3 (competence-based) assessment and Practice Educator qualification Grade J: Placement or work experience in a child care/social care setting Grade K: Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in relevant child care/social work roles, including high-risk and complex cases Knowledge of current good practice in child care Understanding of Children Act 1989 & 2004, Every Child Matters, and Care Planning Regulations 2010 Grade K: Detailed knowledge of judicial processes, child protection, safeguarding procedures, and care assessment theory and practice Additional information Bi-Weekly Payments 37 Working Hours Per Week SW Registration Required