Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s) – Court Team

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Children’s Social Worker to join the Court Team at Cheshire East Council. This is a key role within Children’s Services, supporting children and families from the initiation of Interim Care Orders (ICOs) through to the conclusion of care proceedings.  

You will play a vital part in determining the most appropriate care plan to meet each child’s needs, ensuring that decisions are made in their best interests and with the least intrusive level of intervention. This role requires excellent analytical and report-writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage deadlines confidently within the court process.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cases from the point of Interim Care Order (ICO) through to the conclusion of care proceedings, ensuring that all statutory duties are met.
• Undertake comprehensive child and family assessments to inform care planning and evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop and recommend care plans that are child-focused, proportionate, and reflective of the child’s needs and best interests.
• Prepare high-quality reports, statements, and court documents within set timescales, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Work effectively with legal teams, guardians, and partner agencies to support proceedings and represent the Local Authority in court.
• Attend and provide evidence in court hearings, clearly articulating professional assessments and recommendations.
• Engage with children, families, and carers sensitively, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected throughout the process.
• Ensure that care planning promotes the child’s safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing, with minimal disruption to family life wherever possible.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with council policies and statutory frameworks.
• Participate in reflective supervision, case discussions, and peer learning to support continuous professional development.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident Social Worker with a strong background in court work and care proceedings. You combine analytical thinking with empathy and professionalism, enabling you to deliver thorough assessments and well-reasoned recommendations. You are confident working under pressure, meeting court deadlines, and representing the Local Authority in formal settings. You are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children through clear, compassionate, and evidence-based social work practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience working within Children’s Services, ideally with court or legal proceedings involvement.
• In-depth understanding of the Children Act 1989, Public Law Outline (PLO), and care proceedings process.
• Proven ability to manage cases from ICO through to final hearing, ensuring effective care planning and risk management.
• Excellent report-writing and court statement preparation skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet strict court deadlines.
• Experience working collaboratively with legal teams, guardians, and other professionals.
• Sound judgment and analytical skills to assess complex family dynamics and risk factors.
• Commitment to promoting the welfare and voice of the child in all proceedings.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel across the Cheshire East area as required.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Cheshire East Council
• Service Area: Children’s Services – 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 a passion for supporting children through care proceedings and ensuring fair, timely outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.