Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services

Location: Local Authority (CSW Placement)

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our Children’s Social Work (CSW) team on a 3-month interim contract. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and families through high-quality, child-centred practice.

As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll manage a complex caseload, provide professional expertise to colleagues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of social work practice. You’ll be responsible for ensuring children are safeguarded, supported, and given the best possible opportunity to thrive within their families or through alternative care arrangements.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake complex assessments of children and families in line with statutory guidance and local authority procedures.
   

• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that ensure safety and promote positive outcomes.
   

• Provide professional guidance and mentoring to less experienced social workers within the team.
   

• Work directly with children, young people, and families to build trust, resilience, and positive change.
   

• Prepare detailed, evidence-based reports for meetings, reviews, and court proceedings.
   

• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to ensure effective, joined-up interventions that meet the needs of children and families.
   

• Ensure that children’s voices are central to all decision-making and case planning.
   

• Contribute to reflective supervision and practice development within the service.

Requirements

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

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including complex case management and safeguarding.
   

• Strong understanding of child protection legislation, frameworks, and best practice approaches.
   

• Excellent communication, assessment, and analytical skills.
   

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage a demanding caseload.
   

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

Why Join?

This is a great opportunity to use your experience and expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. You’ll join a professional, collaborative team that values reflection, support, and continuous learning. As a locum Senior Social Worker, you’ll have the chance to work flexibly while contributing to essential front-line services.

Interested? Apply now to take on this rewarding Senior Social Worker position and help shape better outcomes for children, young people, and families over the next three months.