Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s) – Child Protection Team

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Children’s Social Worker to join the Child Protection Team at Hull City Council. This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families by providing support, protection, and intervention at times of greatest need.  

The role involves working with a diverse caseload, including Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children Looked After (CLA) cases, as well as involvement in Care Proceedings, Private Law, and Public Law Outline (PLO) work. Our service uses the Signs of Safety model, promoting collaboration with families and professionals to reduce risk and build strong, sustainable support networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of CIN, CP, CLA, PLO, and Court cases, ensuring high-quality, child-centred practice at all times.
• Deliver strengths-based assessments and interventions using the Signs of Safety framework to promote family-led solutions and lasting change.
• Undertake direct work with children, young people, and families to identify risks, develop plans, and reduce the likelihood of escalation.
• Facilitate and participate in family meetings to support collaborative decision-making and planning.
• Work proactively with multi-agency partners to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes.
• Prepare detailed, analytical reports, statements, and assessments for court and review meetings.
• Represent the Local Authority in Care Proceedings, PLO meetings, and Child Protection Conferences as required.
• Ensure all work is completed in line with statutory duties, local procedures, and Hull City Council’s policies.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with families, carers, and professionals to support child safety and wellbeing.
• Promote early intervention and prevention, working to avoid unnecessary escalation to statutory involvement.

About You

 
You are a skilled and compassionate Social Worker who is passionate about safeguarding children and empowering families to achieve positive change. You bring a calm, confident approach to complex situations and are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards. You are experienced in child protection, care proceedings, and court work, with a strong understanding of the Signs of Safety model and its practical application in everyday practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Proven experience working within Child Protection, Children in Need, or Looked After Children teams.
• Knowledge and experience of court proceedings, PLO, and care planning.
• Strong understanding of child safeguarding legislation and statutory frameworks, including the Children Act 1989.
• Experience in applying the Signs of Safety model or similar strengths-based practice approaches.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, carers, and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Commitment to reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Hull City Council
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Child Protection 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’re an experienced Social Worker dedicated to supporting families and safeguarding children through strengths-based practice, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.