Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (MOU Team)

Location: Durham County Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

Working Area: South County Durham

About the Role

Durham County Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker to join our MOU (Multi-Outcome Unit) Team within Children’s Services. This is a specialist role focused on completing bespoke, high-quality assessments to support effective decision-making for children and families across the South of County Durham.

The successful candidate will carry out a range of detailed assessments, including Pre-Birth Assessments, Parenting Assessments, and Children and Family Assessments. You will work flexibly to respond to the needs of the service, undertaking additional assessment work as identified by the manager.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake high-quality, evidence-based assessments including Pre-Birth, Parenting, and Children & Family Assessments.
   

• Prepare clear, analytical, and well-structured reports to inform planning and decision-making for children and families.
   

• Work directly with parents, carers, and children to gather and analyse information in a sensitive, trauma-informed manner.
   

• Identify risks, strengths, and support needs to develop informed recommendations and care plans.
   

• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure assessments are comprehensive and coordinated.
   

• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed case records in line with statutory and local authority procedures.
   

• Ensure all assessments comply with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice standards.
   

• Contribute to reflective discussions and learning within the team to promote continuous improvement in practice quality.

Requirements

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

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Extensive post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, with proven experience completing Pre-Birth, Parenting, and Family Assessments.
   

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills with the ability to provide sound professional recommendations.
   

• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child development, and assessment frameworks.
   

• Ability to manage workload independently while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
   

• Commitment to working collaboratively and delivering child-centred, trauma-informed practice.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social worker to undertake focused, meaningful assessment work within a supportive local authority. You’ll have the chance to use your expertise to influence planning and improve outcomes for children and families across County Durham.

Interested? Apply today to join Durham County Council’s MOU Team as a Senior Social Worker and contribute to high-quality, child-centred assessment practice.