Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (CSC DfE) – Brent Council

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Children’s Social Worker to join the Children’s Social Care (CSC) Department for Education (DfE) team at Brent Council. This is a locum position offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and deliver high-quality social work services to children and families across the borough.  

You will play a key role in safeguarding children, promoting their welfare, and working with families to achieve stability and long-term positive outcomes through evidence-based and child-centred practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory requirements and DfE guidance.
• Manage a varied caseload, including Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children Looked After (CLA) cases.
• Develop and implement effective care and protection plans that promote safety, wellbeing, and permanence.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, carers, and multi-agency partners to achieve the best outcomes.
• Prepare detailed reports and statements for case conferences, court proceedings, and planning meetings.
• Undertake direct work with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and contribute to strategic planning and service improvement initiatives.
• Promote a strengths-based, relationship-focused approach to social work practice.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and reflective case records in accordance with council policies and statutory frameworks.
• Work effectively as part of a supportive and collaborative team within Brent’s Children’s Social Care service.

About You

 
You are a confident and committed Social Worker with strong safeguarding experience and a passion for supporting children and families. You bring empathy, professionalism, and resilience to your role, alongside a thorough understanding of statutory responsibilities and DfE guidance. You are reflective, organised, and capable of managing complex caseloads while maintaining a focus on achieving positive outcomes for every child.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience working within Children’s Social Care, including CIN, CP, or CLA cases.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory frameworks, and DfE guidance (including the Children Act 1989).
• Experience preparing court reports and participating in legal proceedings.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multi-agency environments to support children and families.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Brent Council
• Service Area: Children’s Social Care (CSC DfE)
• Contract Length: 3 months
• 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 Social Worker passionate about supporting children and families within a forward-thinking local authority, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.