Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker – Children’s Services (Duty & Assessment)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a skilled and committed Children’s Social Worker to join the Duty and Assessment Team at Lancashire County Council. This role is crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people across the county. You will respond to urgent safeguarding concerns, complete thorough child and family assessments, and take swift, decisive action to protect children while developing plans for longer-term support.  

You will be part of a dedicated and supportive service that values professional integrity, reflective practice, and evidence-based decision-making. This is a fast-paced and rewarding position where your work will make a tangible difference to children’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments in response to referrals and safeguarding concerns in line with Section 17 and Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
• Work within statutory frameworks to ensure that children’s needs are identified, assessed, and met in a timely and proportionate way.
• Develop and implement safety and care plans to protect children at risk of harm and promote their long-term welfare.
• Respond to urgent child protection concerns by making informed, evidence-based decisions and ensuring effective multi-agency collaboration.
• Engage directly with children, young people, and families to understand their lived experiences and incorporate their views into planning and intervention.
• Prepare detailed, analytical reports for case reviews, child protection conferences, and court proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals, including education, health, and police, to deliver coordinated safeguarding responses.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in accordance with statutory requirements and council policy.
• Participate in regular supervision, reflective practice, and team meetings to support professional development and decision-making.
• Ensure all work is underpinned by child-centred practice, promoting positive outcomes and long-term stability for children and families.

About You

 
You are a resilient, empathetic, and confident social worker who thrives in a dynamic environment. You have strong assessment and analytical skills and are committed to safeguarding children through timely and effective intervention. You bring professionalism, compassion, and collaboration to every case, and you are passionate about helping families build strength and stability.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Proven experience in a Duty and Assessment or Frontline Children’s Services role.
• Sound understanding of the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, and child protection procedures.
• Experience of completing Section 17 and Section 47 enquiries and developing robust safety and care plans.
• Strong communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and make confident decisions under pressure.
• Commitment to multi-agency working and continuous professional development.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (Essential Car User).

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Lancashire County Council
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Duty & Assessment Team
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are a qualified and experienced Social Worker passionate about safeguarding children and delivering impactful change for families across Lancashire, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.