Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Advanced Social Worker – Assessment & Intervention

Brief Job Overview

 
We are recruiting a dedicated and experienced Advanced Social Worker to join the Assessment & Intervention (A&I) Team at Devon County Council. This is a hands-on role that combines leadership, professional mentoring, and complex casework.  

As an Advanced Social Worker, you will work closely with your Team Manager to provide professional guidance, supervision, and leadership to colleagues. You will contribute to the effective day-to-day operation of the team, supporting continuous improvement in social work practice while maintaining a small, complex caseload. This role is ideal for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about both direct work and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families with complex needs, undertaking in-depth assessments and developing evidence-based plans to support safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
• Provide professional leadership, supervision, and mentoring to colleagues, promoting reflective practice and continual learning within the team.
• Support the Team Manager with day-to-day operations, including practice oversight, case discussions, and performance monitoring.
• Champion high standards of social work practice through coaching, training, and on-the-job support to less experienced or unqualified staff.
• Lead on complex cases requiring advanced assessment, analysis, and decision-making, ensuring all interventions are timely and proportionate.
• Promote a strengths-based, child-centred approach in all areas of practice, ensuring children’s voices are central to assessments and care planning.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-agency environment to ensure effective information sharing and coordinated support for families.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement through reflection, feedback, and the sharing of best practice.
• Support the professional development of students, newly qualified, and early-career social workers through guidance and constructive feedback.
• Model professional integrity, accountability, and resilience in all aspects of social work practice.

About You

 
You are an experienced and motivated social worker who demonstrates strong leadership, analytical skills, and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. You are confident managing complex cases, supporting colleagues, and modelling best practice in a collaborative and reflective way. You are passionate about supporting learning, driving quality improvement, and delivering meaningful change within Children’s Services.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualifying experience working at or above the Experienced Social Worker level.
• Strong understanding of Children Act 1989/2004 and associated statutory frameworks.
• Proven ability to work with families with complex needs in a multi-agency environment.
• Demonstrable experience in mentoring, coaching, and training other social work professionals.
• Evidence of substantial post-qualifying training and ongoing professional development.
• Ability to constructively lead improvement and challenge practice quality in a positive, supportive manner.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional growth.

Contract & Salary

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

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced and passionate Advanced Social Worker ready to make an impact by supporting both children and professional colleagues in Devon’s Assessment & Intervention Service, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.