Job Title: Senior Social Worker - Looked After Children (LAC) Team
Location: Shropshire
Hourly Rate: £33.30 per hour
Are you an experienced and dedicated Social Worker looking to specialise in permanence and positive outcomes for children in care?
Shropshire Council is seeking a highly motivated Senior Social Worker to join our dedicated Looked After Children (LAC) Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children and young people who are looked after by the local authority, helping them achieve stability, security, and well-being.
About the Role:
As a Senior Social Worker in the LAC Team, you will manage a diverse and complex caseload of children and young people who are subject to care orders or are voluntarily accommodated. Your primary focus will be on assessing their needs, developing robust care plans, and actively working towards achieving permanence through adoption, long-term foster care, or a return home where appropriate. You will also provide support and guidance to less experienced colleagues within the team.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking comprehensive assessments for children and young people in care.
- Developing, implementing, and reviewing high-quality care plans, including permanence plans.
- Working closely with children, their families, foster carers, and a range of multi-agency professionals.
- Preparing for and attending Looked After Children (LAC) reviews, statutory visits, and court hearings.
- Ensuring the voice of the child is central to all planning and decision-making.
- Mentoring and offering informal guidance to colleagues, sharing your expertise.
- Maintaining accurate and timely records in line with statutory requirements and local policies.
About You:
We are looking for a resilient and compassionate individual with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children in care.
You will need:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Minimum 3 years post-qualifying experience in children's social work, with demonstrable experience within a Looked After Children (LAC), Children in Care, or long-term child protection team.
- A thorough understanding of relevant legislation, guidance, and best practice relating to children in care and permanence.
- Excellent assessment, analytical, communication (both verbal and written), and report-writing skills.
- The ability to work autonomously, manage a demanding caseload, and prioritise effectively.
- A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Why Join Shropshire Council?
Shropshire Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our children and families. We offer:
- A competitive hourly rate of £33.30 per hour.
- The chance to work within a supportive and collaborative LAC team.
- Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
- Regular, high-quality supervision and peer support.
- A commitment to well-being and a positive working environment.
- The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people in Shropshire.
Ready to make a difference in Shropshire?
If you are an experienced and passionate Senior Social Worker looking for your next challenge, we encourage you to apply!
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role or contact Fahmida Ahmed at 07441 927663 for an informal discussion.
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.
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