Job Title: Experienced Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team
Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire
Hourly Rate: £38 per hour
Are you a skilled and resilient Social Worker with a passion for safeguarding children and a commitment to relationship-based practice?
Leicestershire County Council's Family Safeguarding Service in Loughborough is looking for a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our highly regarded team. We are proud of our recent Ofsted rating which praised our "strong and long-lasting relationships" with children and families, leading to "positive changes" in their lives. Join us and contribute to our child-focused and trauma-informed approach to safeguarding.
About the Role:
As a Social Worker in our Family Safeguarding Team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality child protection services. You will hold a caseload focused on children subject to child protection plans, as well as undertaking pre-proceedings and court work. This role involves intensive, direct work with families, building on their strengths and networks to achieve sustainable positive outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a complex and varied caseload of children and families requiring safeguarding interventions.
- Conduct comprehensive Section 47 enquiries, core assessments, and work effectively under child protection and Children in Need plans.
- Develop, implement, and review child protection plans in collaboration with families and a wide range of professionals.
- Prepare robust and evidence-based reports for Child Protection Conferences, Public Law Outline (PLO) meetings, and court proceedings.
- Represent the local authority in court, providing clear and concise evidence and recommendations.
- Engage in direct work with children and young people, ensuring their voice is heard and their best interests are central to all interventions.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, including police, health, and education, to deliver coordinated support.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant records in line with statutory requirements and council policies.
- Actively participate in regular reflective supervision, group supervision, and team meetings, contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
What We Are Looking For:
- A qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England (SWE) registration.
- Significant post-qualification experience (ideally 3+ years) in statutory children's social care, specifically within child protection, safeguarding, or duty & assessment teams.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant children's legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice in child protection (e.g., Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
- Demonstrable experience in undertaking complex risk assessments, Section 47 enquiries, and managing court processes.
- Confident in the application of the Signs of Safety methodology (or a commitment to train in this approach).
- Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly.
- Resilience, empathy, and the ability to build strong, effective relationships with children, families, and professionals.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload, prioritise effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Full UK driving license and access to a car for work purposes, as the role requires travel across the district.
Why Join Leicestershire County Council?
- Competitive Pay: Earn an attractive rate of £38 per hour.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a highly regarded service, benefiting from consistent, regular, and reflective supervision, including group supervision.
- Hybrid Working: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working, primarily based in our Loughborough pod, with some remote working options.
- Committed Colleagues: Collaborate with experienced and dedicated social workers and managers who are passionate about quality practice.
- Focus on Practice Excellence: Be part of a department committed to trauma-informed and relationship-based practice, with continuous professional development opportunities.
- Excellent Benefits: Access to a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, pension scheme, employee wellbeing service, and flexible working options (where possible).
Ready to make a meaningful difference to children and families in Loughborough?
If you are an experienced and dedicated Social Worker seeking a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a comprehensive covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for this role to Fahmida Ahmed at or call 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.
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