Locum Child Protection Qualified Social Worker
Bedford, Bedfordshire
Experienced Social Worker – Children’s Services (Bedford Borough Council)
Job Overview
We are recruiting a skilled **Experienced Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker)** to join **Bedford Borough Council’s Children’s Services team**. In this role, you will manage complex safeguarding and child protection cases, ensuring high-quality, child-centred social work practice that improves outcomes for children and families.
You will carry out statutory assessments, work directly with children and families, and collaborate with partner agencies to ensure effective, timely interventions.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake safeguarding and child protection assessments in line with statutory requirements.
Develop, implement, and review care and support plans tailored to children’s needs.
Manage complex caseloads with effective risk assessment and timely interventions.
Prepare high-quality, evidence-based reports for court, child protection conferences, and statutory reviews.
Work collaboratively with health, education, police, and voluntary sector partners to provide coordinated support.
Ensure that children’s voices are central to all planning, assessments, and decision-making.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in accordance with legislation and council policies.
Contribute to reflective supervision, peer discussions, and service development initiatives.
About You
You are a resilient and motivated social worker with substantial experience in children’s services. You are confident managing complex safeguarding cases, skilled in building relationships with families, and committed to delivering positive outcomes for children.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Post-qualification experience within statutory Children’s Services, including safeguarding and child protection.
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Ability to manage challenging caseloads while maintaining a child-centred focus.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **Bedford Borough 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 Social Worker looking to join Bedford Borough Council’s Children’s Services team, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.