Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s) – Assessment Service, South & West Devon

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking dedicated and experienced Children’s Social Workers to join the Assessment Service within the South & West Devon Team at Devon County Council. This is a vital role focused on identifying need, supporting families, and enabling positive, long-term change for children and young people across the county.  

You will be part of a dynamic, supportive, and reflective team that strives to deliver high-quality assessments and interventions, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve safety, stability, and lasting positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality child and family assessments to identify need and determine the most appropriate level of intervention.
• Work collaboratively with families to support sustainable, positive change, promoting safety and wellbeing through Child in Need, Child Protection, and Early Help Plans.
• Develop, implement, and review plans that are strengths-based, family-focused, and outcome-driven.
• Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voices are central to all decision-making and planning.
• Where necessary, undertake court work and support children who cannot remain at home through the care planning process.
• Engage with multi-agency partners to ensure effective information sharing and coordinated support.
• Carry out regular and purposeful visits to children and families to monitor progress and build positive relationships.
• Maintain accurate, timely case recordings and ensure compliance with statutory duties and local authority policies.
• Promote permanence planning from the outset to ensure stability and security for every child.
• Contribute to the development of good practice within the Assessment Service and participate in reflective supervision and peer learning.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident social worker with a strong understanding of child protection, family assessment, and early intervention. You are committed to delivering child-centred, evidence-based practice and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You are passionate about achieving long-term, positive change for children and families and bring empathy, resilience, and professionalism to every aspect of your work.

Skills and Experience

• Post-qualifying experience working within children and families services.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, models, and theories in children’s social work, including the Children Act 1989.
• Proven ability to build effective, professional relationships with children, families, and multi-agency partners.
• Experience managing a diverse caseload within a multi-agency or court environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and assessments.
• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Ability to work at pace and under pressure, maintaining focus on achieving positive outcomes for children.
• Commitment to reflective practice, ongoing professional development, and collaborative teamwork.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: South & West Devon (Devon County Council)
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Assessment Service
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced and motivated Children’s Social Worker committed to delivering high-quality assessments and positive outcomes for children and families in Devon, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.