Redcar & Cleveland Council - Locum Opportunity
Are you an experienced and skilled Senior Social Worker specialized in high-risk family assessment and complex safeguarding? Join Redcar & Cleveland's dedicated Pre-Birth Team to safeguard unborn children and undertake critical assessments that determine a child's care plan from birth.
The Opportunity: Specialist Locum Contract
* Role: Senior Social Worker, Pre-Birth Team
* Location: Redcar & Cleveland (North East)
* Pay Rate: £31.74 per hour (Premium Locum Rate)
* Contract: Full-Time, Ongoing Locum Contract
* Hours: 37 hours per week
Core Duties and Responsibilities
This role requires a practitioner who is highly proficient in statutory procedures, risk analysis, and court work, with a focus on working with parents throughout pregnancy.
1. Specialist Assessment: Conducting complex, comprehensive Pre-Birth Assessments in line with statutory guidance (Working Together 2023), focusing specifically on parental capacity, risk recurrence, and the projected needs of the baby at birth.
2. Risk Management & Strategy: Leading multi-agency strategy meetings and safety planning with maternity services, police, and mental health professionals to manage high-risk pregnancies and plan for the baby's safety at the point of delivery.
3. Court Work & PLO: Initiating and leading cases through the Public Law Outline (PLO) process, including preparing detailed, analytical reports and statements for court (Section 31 proceedings). The ability to present complex evidence clearly is essential.
4. Mentoring & Case Consultation: Providing practice guidance and support to less experienced Social Workers, modeling high-quality analytical skills and statutory compliance within the team.
5. Direct Work with Parents: Engaging constructively with prospective parents who have complex histories (e.g., substance misuse, domestic abuse, learning disabilities) to support change where possible and clearly communicate the Local Authority's plan.
What We Need From You
* A recognized professional qualification in Social Work.
* Current registration with Social Work England (SWE).
* A minimum of 3+ years post-qualified experience, ideally with proven experience in a Pre-Proceedings or Assessment/Court Team.
* Expert-level knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and the legal framework governing care proceedings.
* Demonstrable experience writing and presenting high-quality, analytical reports for the Family Court.
* Exceptional ability to manage risk under pressure and make clear recommendations within court-mandated timescales.
Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
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