Social Worker – Children’s Services

Location: Romford

Duration: 3 months with potential extension
Rate: £37.52 per hour PAYE Inclusive
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract: Temporary

5 days in the office during duty weeks - 2 days in the office during non-duty weeks.

Role Overview

We are recruiting an experienced Social Worker to join a Children’s Services team in Havering. The successful candidate will have a strong background in children’s assessments and statutory social work, with good knowledge of safeguarding, child protection legislation and procedures.

You will manage a varied caseload, assess risk and need, undertake direct work with children and families, and develop and review plans to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload in line with legislation, policies and social work procedures.
• Complete high-quality assessments and risk assessments, identifying appropriate interventions and support.
• Undertake direct work with children, young people and their families.
• Work across Child in Need, Child Protection and Looked After Children processes as required.
• Develop, implement and review care plans, ensuring the child's welfare remains paramount.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and ensure children are protected from harm.
• Work effectively with schools, health professionals, police and other partner agencies.
• Attend professional meetings, child protection conferences and court hearings where required.
• Maintain accurate case records, assessments, reports and plans within required timescales.
• Use professional judgement to analyse complex situations and make sound decisions around risk.
• Participate in supervision and contribute to team and service development.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with children and families.
• Strong experience in children’s assessments and statutory social work.
• Good knowledge of the Children Act and relevant safeguarding legislation and procedures.
• Strong direct work skills with children and young people.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Experience of effective multi-agency working.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and respond confidently to safeguarding concerns.

Working Arrangements

• 36 hours per week.
• 5 days in the office during duty weeks.
• 2 days in the office during non-duty weeks.
• Based at Havering Town Hall.
• Equipment to be collected from the Town Hall.
• Some flexibility may be required for duty/out-of-hours arrangements.
• Assignment to be reviewed every 3 months.