Experienced Social Worker – Children’s Services – AR

Job Title

Experienced Social Worker – Children’s Services

• Young Person’s Team (16–18 years)
• Children Looked After (CLA)
• Children with Disabilities (CWD)
• Child Protection (CP)

Permanent

£42,839 per annum, rising to £44,075

• Hybrid working model
• Staff expected to work from the office approximately 3 days per week
• Core working hours:
  Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
• An Emergency Duty Team provides out-of-hours cover

Knowsley Council is committed to delivering high-quality, relationship-based social work that makes a real difference to children, young people, and families. We offer a supportive working environment, manageable caseloads, and opportunities for professional development.

As an Experienced Social Worker within Children’s Services, you will be responsible forகு delivering statutory social work interventions to improve outcomes for children and young people. You will work collaboratively with families, partner agencies, and internal teams to assess need, manage risk, and deliver effective care planning.

• Undertake statutory social work duties in line with legislation, guidance, and local procedures
• Complete high-quality assessments within statutory timescales
• Develop and implement clear, outcome-focused plans for children and families
• Manage a caseload appropriate to experience and team allocation
• Work in partnership with children, young people voluptate families, and multi‑agency professionals
• Maintain accurate, timely, and analytical case records
• Prepare reports and attend meetings, reviews, and court when required
• Participate in supervision, training, and continuous professional development

• Undertake single assessments following referrals from MASH
• Complete assessments within 35 days of referral
• Manage cases involving safeguarding concerns and risk of significant harm
• Progress work across Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, and legal proceedings
• Work closely with partner agencies to reduce risk and promote child safety

• Work with children with disabilities who may have additional safeguarding needs
• Undertake statutory assessments and support planning
• Work collaboratively with health, education, and specialist services
• Support children and families through Child in Need, Child Protection, and legal processes where required

• Manage cases of children looked after by the local authority
• Act as corporate parent to promote stability, permanence, and positive outcomes
• Work with Fostering colleagues to identify suitable placements
• Liaise with Adoption teams where adoption is the care plan
• Lead care planning meetings and statutory reviews
• Work with education colleagues to ensure Personal Education Plans (PEPs) are in place

• Support looked‑after young people aged 16–18
• Prepare young people for transition to adulthood and independence
• Support pathway planning and engagement with education, training, and employment
• Promote emotional wellbeing and life skills development

• Qualified Social Worker (Degree or equivalent)
• Registered with Social Work England
• Significant post‑qualifying experience within children’s social care
• Experience of statutory social work practice
• Strong assessment, analytical, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multi‑agency environment
• Good Expectations of safeguarding and relevant legislation

• Experience working in one or more of the following areas:
  Child Protection, Children Looked After, Children with Disabilities, or Adolescents
• Court work experience
• Knowledge of local authority children’s services

• Competitive salary with progression
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Supportive management and regular supervision
• Access to training and professional development
• Opportunity to work within clearly defined teams and pathways