Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker
Newbury, Berkshire
Social Worker (Children’s Services)
Brief Job Overview
We are seeking a committed and experienced Children’s Social Worker to join West Berkshire Council’s Children’s Services on a 3-month locum contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about safeguarding children, supporting families, and achieving positive, lasting outcomes.
You will work as part of a collaborative and supportive team, delivering high-quality assessments and interventions across a range of Children’s Services, including Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Children Looked After (CLA) work.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory requirements and best practice guidance.
- Manage a caseload of Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children Looked After cases, ensuring each child’s voice is central to all decision-making.
- Develop and implement robust care and protection plans that promote children’s safety, wellbeing, and long-term stability.
- Work collaboratively with families, carers, and multi-agency partners to deliver effective, child-centred support.
- Prepare and present court reports and evidence when required, maintaining clear and professional standards throughout.
- Attend and contribute to core groups, case conferences, and multi-agency meetings to support integrated planning and decision-making.
- Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous learning within your team.
- Ensure timely and accurate case recording in accordance with West Berkshire Council’s policies and procedures.
- Contribute to the development of effective safeguarding practice and service improvement initiatives.
About You
You are an experienced and proactive Social Worker with a proven background in Children’s Services. You bring empathy, resilience, and strong professional judgment to your practice, ensuring the needs and welfare of children are at the centre of everything you do.
You will be confident in managing complex cases, working collaboratively across agencies, and delivering high-quality social work underpinned by evidence-based practice. You will thrive in a supportive and reflective environment that values teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with registration through Social Work England.
- Post-qualifying experience in Children’s Services, ideally within Child Protection, CIN, or CLA work.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and other relevant safeguarding legislation.
- Strong analytical, assessment, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage complex caseloads and meet statutory deadlines effectively.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and professionals.
- Commitment to working reflectively and promoting best practice within a multi-agency framework.
Contract & Salary
- Job Type: Locum
- Location: West Berkshire Council
- Service Area: Children’s Services
- 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 and passionate Social Worker dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families in West Berkshire, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply using the form on the page.