Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s) – Disabled Children’s Service

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Children’s Social Worker to join the Disabled Children’s Service at Devon County Council. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities, supporting them and their families to achieve positive outcomes through high-quality, person-centred social work practice.  

You will hold a varied caseload, including children in need, children in care, and those subject to child protection plans. The role combines meaningful direct work with children and families with opportunities to work collaboratively alongside education, health, and care partners to ensure children’s needs are met holistically.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with disabled children and their families to assess needs, identify strengths, and develop tailored support plans that promote independence, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Manage a caseload of Children in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children in Care (CIC) cases, ensuring that all work complies with statutory responsibilities.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments under the Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014 where appropriate, ensuring children’s voices are central to all planning and interventions.
• Develop and implement care and support plans in collaboration with families and partner agencies, ensuring high-quality outcomes for children.
• Work proactively with multi-agency partners—including education, health, and voluntary organisations—to coordinate effective support and safeguarding arrangements.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, reviews, and case conferences, presenting clear, analytical reports and recommendations.
• Ensure robust recording and case management in line with Devon County Council’s procedures and best practice standards.
• Adopt a strengths-based and family-led approach that supports families to remain together safely wherever possible.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice sessions, and ongoing professional development to maintain and develop high practice standards.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of practice, ensuring fair access to support and services for all children and families.

About You

 
You are an empathetic and skilled social worker with experience supporting children and families, ideally within a disability or safeguarding setting. You demonstrate resilience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to working with children, families, and professionals. You are passionate about improving the lives of children with disabilities and committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based social work.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Proven experience working within Children’s Services, ideally supporting children with disabilities.
• Recent or ongoing experience of CIN, CP, or CIC casework.
• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014, and safeguarding legislation.
• Excellent assessment, planning, and report-writing skills with attention to detail and analytical ability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Ability to travel across Devon—access to suitable transport is essential, with reasonable adjustments made where required under the Equality Act 2010.
• Flexible approach to hybrid working, including office-based duties and community visits.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Devon County Council
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Disabled Children’s Service
• Contract Length: Full-time, 37 hours per week (initial 3 months, with potential extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – Office-based on duty days and community visits as required

How to Apply

 
If you are a compassionate and experienced Children’s Social Worker who is passionate about supporting children with disabilities and their families, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.