Qualified Social Worker - Children We Care For Team
Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Rate: £38 per hour (£42 inclusive of holiday pay for Advanced Social Worker level candidates)
Contract: Locum/Agency
Make a Lasting Difference to Children in Care
Are you an experienced Qualified Social Worker looking for your next rewarding opportunity? West Sussex County Council is seeking a passionate and committed social worker to join its Children We Care For Team in Chichester. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a service that is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people in care. You'll be part of a supportive team environment, managing meaningful relationships with children while helping them achieve stability, safety, and positive futures.
About the Role
As a Social Worker within the Children We Care For Team, you will work with children and young people who are looked after by the local authority, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard. You will manage a caseload of approximately 18 children, undertaking statutory responsibilities, direct work, and care planning. The role involves visiting children in placements across a wide geographical area, including rural locations, and requires regular engagement with carers, families, courts, and partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of children and young people in care.
* Complete high-quality assessments, care planning, and risk management.
* Build effective relationships with children, carers, and families.
* Undertake direct work to support children's emotional well-being and long-term outcomes.
* Prepare reports and attend court proceedings when required.
* Participate in duty cover approximately two days per month.
* Work collaboratively with education, health, legal, and other partner agencies.
* Ensure children's views, wishes, and feelings are central to all planning and decision-making.
What We’re Looking For
* Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
* Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification experience within Local Authority Children's Services.
* Recent frontline experience working with children and families.
* Strong assessment, safeguarding, and risk management skills.
* Experience of court work and care planning.
* Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
* Flexibility to undertake occasional after-school and early evening visits.
Pay & Benefits
* £38.00 per hour Umbrella
* £32.86 per hour PAYE (exclusive of holiday pay)
* Up to £42.00 per hour Umbrella (inclusive of holiday pay) for Advanced Social Worker level candidates
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements with limited office attendance.
* Regular supervision every four weeks and accessible management support.
* A welcoming and inclusive team culture where agency workers are valued and fully integrated.
* Opportunity to work within a service recognised for its ongoing improvement journey following recent Ofsted feedback.
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