Locum Child Protection Qualified Social Worker
Matlock, Derbyshire
Advanced Social Worker – Children’s Services (Derbyshire County Council)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Advanced Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker)** to join **Derbyshire County Council’s Children’s Services team**. This senior practice role involves managing complex safeguarding cases, providing professional guidance to colleagues, and ensuring high-quality, child-centred social work across the service.
You will work directly with children, young people, and families, ensuring statutory duties are met while also contributing to service development and mentoring within the team.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex child protection and safeguarding cases in line with statutory requirements.
Provide professional supervision, mentoring, and reflective support to social workers and support staff.
Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families to inform planning and decision-making.
Develop, implement, and review tailored care and protection plans.
Prepare and present high-quality, evidence-based reports for court, case reviews, and statutory panels.
Chair and contribute to multi-agency meetings, ensuring coordinated and effective interventions.
Build positive and effective relationships with children, families, and carers to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in line with legislation, council policy, and professional standards.
Contribute to audits, service development, and continuous quality improvement within Children’s Services.
About You
You are a resilient and motivated social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s services. You are confident managing complex safeguarding work and skilled at mentoring colleagues to promote reflective, evidence-based practice. Your focus is always on ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience in statutory Children’s Services, including safeguarding and court proceedings.
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice in children’s social care.
Experience of mentoring, supervising, or supporting colleagues in a practice environment.
Excellent assessment, communication, and report-writing skills.
Ability to manage challenging caseloads effectively while maintaining a child-focused approach.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **Derbyshire County Council**
Service: Children’s Services
Contract type: Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Qualified Social Worker seeking an advanced role within Derbyshire County Council’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.