Neway International are seeking a Social Worker – Children’s Services to join our client based with Thurrock Council. Location: New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL Hours: 37 per week Start Date: 16 March 2026 End Date: 12 Weeks initially, extended after review. Work Pattern: 2 days per week in the office, plus one duty week in every 4 based in the office About the Client Thurrock Council’s Children and Families Assessment Team supports children and families during periods of crisis, ensuring safety, stability, and timely intervention. The service plays a vital role in safeguarding, assessment, and short‑term support, working closely with multi‑agency partners to promote children’s wellbeing. The Role This role sits within the Child and Family Assessment Team, responding to new referrals, completing assessments, and undertaking statutory safeguarding responsibilities. You will work as part of a duty team, carrying out initial visits, implementing safety plans, and making threshold decisions for ongoing support. The role requires strong assessment skills, confident decision‑making, and the ability to work directly with children and families to create meaningful change. Key Responsibilities • Respond to referrals allocated via the Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub • Complete initial visits independently and jointly with police where required • Manage a caseload of children and unborn babies subject to Child and Family Assessments • Make threshold decisions in line with the Thurrock Threshold Document • Deliver short‑term interventions and ensure families access appropriate support services • Undertake Section 47 Child Protection Enquiries • Prepare and present Child Protection Conference Reports • Carry out direct work with children and adults to understand their views and promote change • Provide evidence‑based analysis of significant harm for court proceedings (public and private law) • Chair and contribute to multi‑agency meetings including Child in Need and Core Groups • Create, review, and monitor SMART plans to support ongoing safety and progress Candidate Requirements • Qualified Social Worker with relevant registration • Experience in Children’s Services, ideally within assessment or safeguarding teams • Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989 and statutory safeguarding processes • Confident in completing Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries • Skilled in direct work with children and families • Ability to work within a duty system and manage competing priorities • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing for conferences and court • Ability to work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners