Job Description
3 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Children’s Social Worker to join the Central Locality Team in Stowmarket on a temporary basis.
• The role involves undertaking statutory social work duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• The post holder will carry out child and family assessments, investigate safeguarding concerns, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to reduce risks and support positive outcomes for children.
• The role includes court work, multi-agency collaboration, and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and safeguarding legislation.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Complete comprehensive child and family assessments to evaluate needs and risks.
• Identify and investigate safeguarding concerns and undertake Section 47 enquiries where necessary.
• Analyse parenting capacity, family functioning, and the child’s developmental needs.
• Consider cultural, social, and environmental factors impacting the welfare of children.
• Develop, implement, and review child protection plans and Child in Need (CIN) plans.
• Conduct statutory home visits and direct one-to-one work with children and families.
• Provide parenting support and safety planning to help reduce risk within the family environment.
• Maintain accurate case records, update case summaries, and prepare professional reports.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, including strategy meetings, child protection conferences, and CIN meetings.
• Prepare court statements and attend court hearings where required.
• Work closely with legal teams, partner agencies, and safeguarding professionals to support care planning and case progression.
• Advocate for the child’s welfare and ensure their voice is represented in planning and decision-making.
Skills/Experience:
• Qualified Social Worker with relevant social work qualification (e.g. Degree or equivalent).
• Social Work England registration (essential).
• Experience working within Children’s Services or safeguarding teams.
• Strong knowledge of child protection procedures and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience conducting child and family assessments and risk assessments.
• Ability to undertake Section 47 enquiries and safeguarding investigations.
• Experience participating in multi-agency safeguarding meetings.
• Strong report writing skills for case records, assessments, and court documentation.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with families, professionals, and legal services.
Additional Information:
• Bi-Weekly Payments.
• Location: The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1BB.
• Working Pattern: Minimum 3 days in the office per week.
• Hours: 37 hours per week (09:00 – 17:30).
• Requirement: DfE sheet must be completed.
Requirements
• Qualified Social Worker with relevant social work qualification (e.g. Degree or equivalent). • Social Work England registration (essential). • Experience working within Children’s Services or safeguarding teams. • Strong knowledge of child protection procedures and safeguarding legislation. • Experience conducting child and family assessments and risk assessments. • Ability to undertake Section 47 enquiries and safeguarding investigations. • Experience participating in multi-agency safeguarding meetings. • Strong report writing skills for case records, assessments, and court documentation. • Ability to manage a complex caseload and meet statutory deadlines. • Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills. • Experience working collaboratively with families, professionals, and legal services.