Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s) – Child Protection & Court Team

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a skilled and experienced Children’s Social Worker to join the Child Protection and Court Team within Brent Council’s Children’s Social Care (DfE) service. This role is central to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children, supporting families in crisis, and ensuring the best outcomes for children through robust assessment, planning, and court proceedings.  

You’ll work as part of a dynamic and supportive team, using evidence-based practice and statutory guidance to deliver high-quality social work that places the child’s voice at the heart of everything you do.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments to identify risks, strengths, and support needs in line with statutory duties and DfE guidance.
• Manage a diverse caseload including Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children Looked After (CLA) cases.
• Prepare and present detailed court reports, care plans, and statements for legal proceedings under the Public Law Outline (PLO).
• Lead and contribute to core groups, case conferences, and planning meetings ensuring collaborative working and timely decision-making.
• Work directly with children and families to build trust, develop safety plans, and reduce risk.
• Ensure all interventions are child-centred, strengths-based, and outcome-focused.
• Develop effective working relationships with multi-agency partners including police, education, health, and legal professionals.
• Maintain accurate, reflective, and high-quality case recording in line with local and national standards.
• Promote and model professional integrity, resilience, and accountability across all aspects of your work.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement within the Child Protection and Court Team.

About You

 
You are a confident and compassionate Social Worker with significant experience in child protection and court proceedings. You bring sound professional judgment, empathy, and a solution-focused approach to complex situations. You are highly skilled in assessment, care planning, and report writing, and thrive in fast-paced environments where safeguarding children is the priority.  

You will be part of a committed and experienced team that values reflective supervision, professional development, and a strong culture of support.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience in Child Protection, Care Proceedings, and Court Work.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and Public Law Outline (PLO).
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex caseloads within statutory timescales.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and professionals.
• Experience working collaboratively within multi-agency safeguarding frameworks.
• Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team environment.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Brent Council
• Service Area: Children’s Social Care (DfE) – Child Protection & Court Team
• 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 Social Worker with strong safeguarding and court experience, passionate about protecting children and supporting families in Brent, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.