Social Worker - Children in Care

If helping children in care achieve stability, security and positive outcomes is what drives your practice, this Children in Care Social Worker role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference while benefiting from flexibility, strong management support and long-term stability. Based in the Bedfordshire area, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner seeking a long-term locum contract within a well-established and child-focused service.

You’ll have the autonomy to manage your workload effectively while working alongside experienced managers who understand the importance of relationship-based social work. This role is ideal for Social Workers with experience in Children in Care teams who are passionate about delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

• Up to £38 per hour.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Long-term locum contract with ongoing stability.
• Supportive and experienced management team.
• Manageable caseloads.
• Opportunity to work within a child-centred and outcome-focused service.
• Collaborative team culture with strong professional support.

This established Bedfordshire children's service is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in care. The team promotes high-quality practice, collaborative working and a supportive environment where Social Workers are empowered to build meaningful relationships and deliver effective interventions.

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care, ensuring their needs remain central to all planning and decision-making.
• Complete statutory visits, assessments and care planning in line with legislation and local procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children, families, foster carers and partner agencies.
• Prepare reports and contribute to reviews, planning meetings and court proceedings where required.
• Work proactively to promote permanence, stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Previous experience within a Children in Care, Looked After Children or similar statutory children's services team.
• Strong assessment, care planning and safeguarding experience.
• Confident managing complex cases and working within statutory timescales.
• Passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.