Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker – Children’s Services

Location: Suffolk County Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

Suffolk County Council is seeking a skilled and experienced Social Worker to join our Children’s Services team on a 3-month interim basis. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families across Suffolk while working within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority committed to high-quality, relationship-based practice.

As a Social Worker, you will undertake statutory duties to assess, plan, and deliver effective interventions that safeguard and promote the welfare of children. You’ll work with families to identify strengths and areas for change, helping them to build stability and resilience while ensuring children are safe and supported to thrive.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake assessments of children and families in line with statutory duties and best practice frameworks.
   

• Develop and implement Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that promote children’s safety, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes.
   

• Work directly with children, young people, and families to build positive relationships that support change and strengthen family networks.
   

• Collaborate effectively with partner agencies and professionals to deliver coordinated, holistic support.
   

• Prepare clear, evidence-based reports and attend reviews, child protection conferences, and court proceedings as required.
   

• Ensure that all work is child-centred and that the voice of the child is central to assessment and planning.
   

• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with local and national standards.
   

• Contribute to reflective supervision and promote continuous improvement within the service.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Post-qualifying experience within children’s social care, including safeguarding, assessment, and family support work.
   

• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, statutory guidance, and child protection procedures.
   

• Excellent communication, assessment, and decision-making skills.
   

• Ability to work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
   

• Commitment to strengths-based, trauma-informed, and child-centred practice.

Why Join?

Suffolk County Council offers a supportive and collaborative working environment where your skills and experience will be valued. You’ll benefit from professional supervision, opportunities for ongoing learning, and a strong culture of reflective practice.

This 3-month role provides an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise, support families in need, and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across Suffolk.

Interested? Apply today to join Suffolk County Council’s Children’s Services as a Social Worker and help create safer, brighter futures for children and families.