JOB-20240819-db742659 Consultant Social Worker - Children in Care Team Job Specialism: Social Worker - Children's Location: Durham, UK (Seaham) Pay Rate: £35.45 per hour Contract Type: Locum Contract Length: Ongoing Working Pattern: Full Time (Hybrid - 1-2 days per week in office) Job Overview An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Consultant Social Worker to join the Children in Care Team in Durham. This ongoing, full-time locum role offers a competitive hourly rate of £35.45 and hybrid working, with an expectation of attending the office 1-2 days per week for key meetings and team collaboration. Durham County Council is recruiting two Consultant Social Workers due to internal promotions into Team Manager roles. You will manage a small caseload (up to 10 children) while playing a key leadership role in driving practice quality, supporting staff, and improving team performance. Perks and Benefits Full Time: Stable and consistent working hours. Hybrid Working: Enjoy the flexibility of home working balanced with collaborative office days. Excellent Hourly Rate: Earn £35.45 per hour in a senior, influential role. Leadership Opportunity: Gain high-level experience supporting management and shaping practice. Career Progression: Work within a progressive service where previous consultants have progressed into management. Beautiful Location: Enjoy working in the stunning and historic county of Durham. What You Will Do Hold a small caseload of up to 10 children in care, ensuring high-quality, child-centred practice. Support the Team Manager by chairing low-level strategy meetings and stability meetings. Mentor and support social workers, helping to develop practice and overcome complex challenges. Promote high standards of practice, performance management, and data-informed decision-making. Contribute to practice development and service improvement across the team. Support the Team Manager with statutory responsibilities relating to Children in Care. Play a leadership role in driving consistency, quality assurance, and positive outcomes for children. Requirements Essential Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration. Significant experience working within Children in Care / Looked After Children services. Experience in senior practitioner, consultant, or advanced practitioner roles. Strong knowledge of children's legislation, statutory guidance, and care planning processes. Confident in supporting staff, mentoring, quality assurance, and performance oversight. Why Durham? Durham offers a fantastic blend of historic charm, beautiful countryside, and vibrant community life. With excellent transport links and a strong professional culture, it's a wonderful place to develop your career while enjoying a high quality of life. Working with Sanctuary Personnel Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award-winning agency for roles. With an 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews and many prestigious industry awards, we are dedicated to finding you the best possible rates in roles that match your skills and experience.