Job Description
3 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is seeking an experienced Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join the Family Safeguarding Team in Horsham. The role focuses on providing high-quality, relationship-based practice to improve outcomes for children and families, promoting their safety and wellbeing.
You will manage a varied and complex caseload, undertaking assessments, interventions, and safeguarding work in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). You will work collaboratively within a multi-agency environment to assess risk, plan interventions, and support families to make sustainable change.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of children and families where there are concerns for safeguarding and wellbeing.
* Undertake robust assessments and produce high-quality reports that identify risk and need.
* Carry out direct work with children and families to understand their experiences and identify appropriate interventions.
* Participate in and contribute to child protection conferences, core groups, and care planning meetings.
* Apply professional judgement and decision-making in complex situations with confidence and autonomy.
* Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure effective safeguarding practice.
* Maintain accurate, up-to-date case recordings in line with WSCC policies and statutory requirements.
* Support the implementation of the Family Safeguarding Model, including use of motivational interviewing techniques (training provided).
* Promote equality, diversity, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
Requirements
* Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
* Social Work England registration (active).
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
* Minimum 3 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care within a local authority in England (direct, permanent employment).
* Significant experience in frontline safeguarding and child protection work.
* Proven ability to undertake quality assessments, identify risks, and plan appropriate interventions.
* Experience in multi-agency working and effective partnership collaboration.
* Strong communication, report-writing, and relationship-based practice skills.