Social Worker - Assessment Team Location: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Rate: £27.56 per hour Service Area: Children's Services - Assessment Team Job Purpose: To undertake high-quality assessments of children and families referred to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Children's Assessment Team, in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need, those at risk of significant harm, or in need of support services. You will be responsible for progressing cases from referral through initial assessment, Section 17/47 enquiries, and determining appropriate next steps including closure, support, or step-up to long-term intervention. Key Responsibilities: Undertake timely and comprehensive assessments of children and families in line with statutory guidance, including Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and local safeguarding protocols. Carry out Section 17 (Child in Need) and Section 47 (Child Protection) investigations, and work with the MASH and duty teams where required. Manage a varied and complex caseload, meeting statutory timescales and recording expectations. Conduct home visits, engage with children and families, and gather multi-agency information to inform assessment and decision-making. Present cases to legal planning meetings and child protection conferences where necessary. Prepare concise, evidence-based reports and risk assessments to support decision-making and court processes where applicable. Ensure children's voices are heard, and that assessments are child-focused, culturally sensitive, and strengths-based. Work collaboratively with partner agencies, early help, and longer-term social work teams for seamless case transfer or closure. Maintain accurate and timely records using the local authority's case management system (e.g., Liquidlogic). Essential Requirements: Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, BA/MA Social Work) Registered with Social Work England Post-qualified experience in children's social care, preferably in an Assessment, MASH, or Duty and Referral team Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation, thresholds, and assessment frameworks Strong communication, analytical, and report-writing skills Ability to work under pressure, manage competing demands, and meet strict deadlines Desirable: Familiarity with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council protocols and procedures Experience using Liquidlogic or similar case recording systems Knowledge of local services in the Tees Valley and North East region What's on Offer: £27.56 per hour - competitive agency rate Supportive team environment and regular supervision Access to training and CPD Flexible working options (including some home-based work) Opportunity to develop frontline assessment experience in a well-organised local authority Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone. Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing