Neway International are seeking five Social Workers (Children’s) to join our client based with Thurrock Council. Location: Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL Hours: 37 per week Start Date: 09/03/2026 Work Pattern: 2 days in the office, remainder remote Pay Rate: £23.98 PAYE / £32.00 Umbrella IR35: Inside IR35 About the Client Thurrock Council’s Children and Families Service delivers high‑quality statutory safeguarding and family support. Their frontline teams, including the Child and Family Assessment Service and Family Support Teams, were rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024, reflecting strong practice, robust decision‑making and effective multi‑agency collaboration. The Role Social Workers are required to provide permanent vacancy cover within the Family Support Team as part of Thurrock’s Family First Partnership Programme pilot. The postholders will work with children and families during statutory involvement, completing assessments, managing risk and delivering high‑quality safeguarding practice. The role involves complex long‑term child protection work, court proceedings and multi‑agency partnership working. Key Responsibilities Complete Child and Family Assessments within statutory timescales, identifying strengths, risks and needs. Manage cases involving Child Protection, Child in Need and Children in Care plans. Lead Section 47 enquiries and prepare reports for Child Protection Conferences. Initiate and progress Public Law Outline (PLO) processes and contribute to care proceedings. Complete a range of assessments including parenting capacity, sibling assessments and pre‑birth assessments. Prepare reports for private law proceedings (Section 7 and 37). Undertake direct work with children and families, including home and school visits. Chair Core Groups, Child in Need meetings and stability meetings for placements at risk of breakdown. Maintain clear, timely and accurate case records. Work collaboratively with partner agencies to support safe and effective planning. Candidate Requirements Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration. Strong safeguarding and statutory children’s social care experience. Confident in assessment, risk analysis and court‑related work. Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills. Ability to work effectively within a high‑performing, fast‑paced frontline service. Full compliance documentation required.