Social Worker, Child Development​/Support

Permanent, full-time social worker post in the Through Care team of Worcestershire County Council's children's safeguarding service, supporting children on long-term permanent plans across varied care arrangements. Core work is direct practice with children, parents and carers, managing risk, chairing core groups, completing s47 enquiries and advising the court. The team has a stable management group, regular supervision and hybrid working.

Applicants need a good understanding of public law and permanency planning; court experience is desirable and training is provided.

• Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings
• Manage risk and provide safety for children and families, including chairing monthly core group meetings
• Complete s47 enquiries where significant safeguarding concerns arise
• Deliver reports for child protection conference
• Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist the court and families in decision-making
• Liaise effectively with partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with statutory requirements and local policy
• Contribute to service learning and development within a reflective, supportive team

• Completing holistic assessments and making and delivering recommendations from reports to inform child protection planning

• Passionate, skilled and confident practice with children and families
• Good understanding of public law work, including court orders such as care, supervision, special guardianship and placement orders, and how they affect children and families
• Good understanding of permanency planning and timely decision-making within proceedings

• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check, including cautions, reprimands, final warnings and convictions, before appointment is confirmed

• Experience of court work

• Access to high-quality training, supervision and development opportunities
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Regular supervision, manageable caseloads and regular team meetings
• Stable, permanent management group
• Market forces supplement of £4,000 on top of basic pay