Job Description
3- months contract with a local authority
Job Purpose
* To provide specialist social work expertise within court proceedings, ensuring high‑quality assessments, care planning and written evidence that protect and promote the welfare of children.
* To lead on complex safeguarding cases that require legal intervention, delivering robust and timely court documentation in line with statutory frameworks and judicial expectations.
* To champion best practice in court work across the service by modelling high standards, supporting colleagues, and contributing to continuous improvement in children’s social care.
* To ensure that all work is child‑centred, strengths‑based, legally compliant and aligned with the organisation’s vision for safe, stable and supported outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
Court Work & Legal Proceedings
* Prepare high‑quality evidence for court, including statements, chronologies, care plans and viability assessments.
* Present clear, analytical and evidence‑based assessments in Family Court, ensuring recommendations reflect children’s needs and safeguarding risks.
* Attend court hearings, giving confident and professional oral evidence when required.
* Work closely with legal services to ensure timely submission of documents and coordinated case progression.
* Monitor court timetables to ensure compliance with Public Law Outline (PLO) and statutory timescales.
Case Management & Safeguarding
* Lead and manage complex child protection cases, including those at high risk of significant harm.
* Undertake direct work with children and families to understand lived experiences, wishes and feelings.
* Develop coherent, outcome‑focused plans that promote safety, permanence and stability.
* Ensure all work adheres to legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding procedures and national frameworks.
Professional Practice & Quality Assurance
* Model high‑quality social work practice and support colleagues through advice, coaching and reflective discussion.
* Contribute to service improvement through auditing, feedback, reflective meetings and practice development initiatives.
* Ensure all case records, assessments and plans are accurate, up to date and compliant with data and quality standards.
* Promote consistent use of evidence‑based approaches across the team.
Multi‑Agency Collaboration
* Work effectively with key partners including health, education, police, CAFCASS, legal professionals and safeguarding boards.
* Participate in multi‑agency meetings, strategy discussions and professional networks to support holistic decision‑making.
* Develop strong relationships that enable effective safeguarding and coordinated intervention.
Children’s Voice & Family Engagement
* Ensure children’s views are captured meaningfully and reflected within assessments, plans and court evidence.
* Build constructive relationships with parents, carers and extended family members.
* Promote family‑led planning, family group conferences and strengths‑based approaches to intervention.
Professional Development & Leadership
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, case law, guidance and best practice related to court‑based social work.
* Participate in supervision, reflective sessions, training and continuing professional development (CPD).
* Support service priorities and contribute to the learning and development of the wider team.
Experience Required
* Significant post‑qualification experience in statutory children’s social care.
* Proven experience managing complex safeguarding cases and court proceedings.
* Experience preparing and presenting high‑quality written and oral evidence in Family Court.
* Strong experience working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners.
Skills & Competencies
* Excellent understanding of the Children Act, PLO, Family Court processes, and relevant statutory guidance.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret information and make sound, defensible decisions.
* High‑level written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive court evidence.
* Confident oral advocate when giving evidence and responding to legal challenge.
* Ability to work under pressure, manage competing deadlines, and maintain resilience.
* Skilled in relationship‑based practice, direct work with children and strengths‑based family assessment.
* Commitment to anti‑discriminatory practice, equality, diversity and cultural competence.
Qualifications
* Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualifying route.
* Registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of ongoing CPD related to court practice or child protection (desirable).
Additional Information
* Enhanced children’s DBS required.
* Occasional work outside standard hours may be necessary to meet court or safeguarding requirements.
* Postholder may be required to travel to courts, family centres, placements or community settings.
* We work on Bi weekly payment schedule
* The role closes on 27/04/2026, apply ASAP.
Requirements
Provide strong leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high‑quality services for children and families in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies