Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Social Care (Assessment Team)

Location: South Tyneside Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

Working Pattern: Flexible hours and hybrid working available

About the Role

South Tyneside Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker to join our busy Children’s Assessment Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident practitioner to make a real difference in the lives of children and families while enjoying the flexibility of a supportive, hybrid working environment.

As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a key role in delivering timely and effective assessments to identify the needs, risks, and strengths of children and families. You will ensure that children receive the right level of support and intervention at the right time, working closely with families, partners, and agencies to achieve positive outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake high-quality assessments of children and families, ensuring timely, evidence-based decisions and interventions.
   

• Manage a varied and complex caseload within statutory timescales, prioritising safeguarding and the welfare of children at all times.
   

• Work collaboratively with families, partner agencies, and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver effective support plans and outcomes.
   

• Contribute to strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and court proceedings where required.
   

• Promote a child-centred, strengths-based approach to practice, ensuring the voice of the child is central in all decision-making.
   

• Support and mentor less experienced team members, contributing to a culture of reflective learning and continuous improvement.
   

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with statutory and local requirements.

Requirements

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

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Substantial post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, particularly within assessment or safeguarding teams.
   

• Excellent understanding of child protection, statutory processes, and relevant legislation.
   

• Strong assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
   

• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a high standard of practice.
   

• Commitment to flexible, hybrid working and collaborative team practice.

Why Join?

This is a great opportunity to join a progressive and supportive local authority that values work-life balance and professional development. You’ll benefit from flexible hours, hybrid working arrangements, and the chance to work with a dedicated team committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families in South Tyneside.

Interested? Apply today to join South Tyneside Council as a Senior Social Worker and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in the community.