Job Description
3-4 Months Contract with a Local Authority
Summary
* The Child Protection Co-Ordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring robust planning and safeguarding for children in Somerset. This position is responsible for overseeing and reviewing child protection plans, driving quality assurance, and advocating for children’s voices in decision-making processes. The role combines strategic improvement initiatives with direct engagement with children and young people to uphold Somerset’s values and commitment to excellence in child welfare.
Responsibilities
* Oversee and review individual child protection plans to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
* Lead quality assurance activities, including practice evaluations, dip sampling, and feedback analysis.
* Provide support, challenge, and guidance to advocate for children’s best interests.
* Collaborate closely with the Service Improvement Team to enhance standards across the organization.
* Gather and analyse feedback to identify actionable improvements (“so what” for the child).
* Ensure children and young people have an independent voice in decisions affecting their lives.
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to service audits and reporting.
Experience and Qualification
* Minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience in social work.
* Proven track record as an experienced Social Worker, Advanced Practitioner, or Team Manager.
* Strong understanding of child protection processes, statutory requirements, and best practices.
* Experience in quality assurance, service improvement, and multi-agency collaboration.
* Social Work qualification (e.g., BA Social Work, MA Social Work, or equivalent).
* Current registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of continuous professional development in child protection and safeguarding.
* DFE Post Qualification Experience (PQE).
Additional Information
* Working hours: 37 hours per week
* Enhanced DBS is required
* Driving license is required
* 4 Days Per Week Onsite Minimum
* Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY, United Kingdom
The role closes on 23rd November 2025, apply ASAP.
Requirements
The role of a Child Protection Co-Ordinator is integral to driving forward excellent planning for children in Somerset. You will be overseeing and reviewing each child’s child protection plan, leading quality assurance activity such as practice evaluations, dip reviews, feedback gathering and analysis of the so what for the child. You will use support, review, and challenge to advocate for children in our care. Linking closely with the Service Improvement Team, this dynamic service combines opportunities to support improving standards across the organisation with direct contact with children to ensure that children and young people in Somerset have an independent voice in the decisions that affect their life.