Children's Social Worker

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Sponsorship swap available

Job summary

Cambridgeshire County Council is seeking a Children’s Social Worker to join our Children, Education & Families Service on a permanent basis. The role supports a Family Saf safeguarding model, delivering assessments, planning interventions and acting as lead professional in safeguarding cases.

You will collaborate with schools, health services and partner agencies to secure positive outcomes for children and families, with a focus on voice of the child and proportionate interventions.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or approved Fast Track).
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel across Cambridgeshire.
• Experience of social work practice with children and families.
• Understanding of child development, parenting capacity, safeguarding legislation and risk factors.

Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality assessments of children and families, identifying needs, strengths and risks.
• Develop and implement outcome-focused plans delivering positive, sustainable change.
• Lead safeguarding concerns, child protection interventions and statutory responsibilities.
• Ensure the voice and lived experience of children informs assessments, planning and decisions.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with statutory requirements and professional standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Professional curiosity

Anti-discriminatory practice

Education

Recognised Social Work qualification

Job description

Children's Social Worker

Children, Education & Families Service | Cambridgeshire County Council | permanent

Location: Cambridgeshire- Huntingdon (PE29 3AD), Wisbech (PE13 2JD), Cambridge City (CB2 9NL) South Cambs & East Ely Hybrid working with a mix of office, home working and visits Compressed hours (5 days in 4) and 9 day fortnight available from day 1 if fits with the team and service

Grade: P1

Pay Rate: £41,958 - £44822

Contract: Full-Time

Full UK Driving Licence Required

Relocation package available Sponsorship swap available

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

At Cambridgeshire County Council, we are committed to creating a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire. Our Children's Services place children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do, ensuring they receive the support, protection and opportunities they need to thrive.

We are looking for passionate and dedicated Social Workers to join our Children, Education & Families Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a forward-thinking local authority that champions relationship-based practice, professional development and positive outcomes for children and families.

Working within our innovative Family Safeguarding Model, you will build meaningful relationships with children, young people and their families, using a strengths-based approach to safeguard children, reduce risk and empower families to make lasting positive change.

About the Role

As a Children's Social Worker, you will hold a varied and rewarding caseload, undertaking assessments, planning interventions and delivering effective support to children and families. You will act as the lead professional in safeguarding cases, ensuring timely and proportionate interventions that place the child's voice and lived experience at the centre of decision-making.

You will work collaboratively with families, partner agencies and professionals across education, health and community services to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Our practice is underpinned by "The Big 6"

• Genograms
• Chronology
• Voice of the Child
• Meaningful and Planned Visits
• Supervision and Management Oversight
• Effective Planning and Review Processes

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding and Assessment

• Undertake high-quality assessments of children and families, identifying needs, strengths and risks.
• Develop and implement outcome-focused plans that deliver positive and sustainable change.
• Lead on safeguarding concerns, child protection interventions and statutory responsibilities.
• Ensure the voice and lived experience of children and young people inform all assessments, planning and decision-making.
• Complete clear, analytical and evidence-based reports for meetings, conferences and court proceedings.

Relationship-Based Practice

• Build effective and trusting relationships with children, young people and families.
• Work collaboratively using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach.
• Promote resilience, independence and positive family outcomes.
• Uphold children's rights and ensure interventions are proportionate and child-centred.

Multi-Agency Working

• Work closely with schools, health services, police, legal professionals and partner agencies.
• Participate in and lead multi-disciplinary meetings where appropriate.
• Share information effectively to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
• Contribute to integrated service delivery and continuous service improvement.

Professional Practice

• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with statutory requirements and professional standards.
• Keep up to date with legislation, policy and best practice developments.
• Contribute to learning, development and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Act as a positive ambassador for social work and Cambridgeshire County Council.

About You

We are seeking motivated Social Workers who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families and who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Requirements

• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Master's, Postgraduate Diploma or approved Fast Track Programme)
• Current Social Work England registration
• Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel across Cambridgeshire
• Experience of social work practice with children and families
• Strong understanding of: Child development, Parenting capacity, Safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, Risk and protective factors affecting children and families
• Ability to assess need, analyse complex information and develop effective interventions
• Excellent communication, report-writing and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice
• Ability to effectively manage a caseload and prioritise competing demands

What We're Looking For

• A child-centred and strengths-based approach to practice.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Professional curiosity and a commitment to safeguarding excellence.
• The ability to build meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Confidence working with complexity and managing risk.
• A collaborative approach to partnership and multi-agency working.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.

Why Join Cambridgeshire County Council?

At Cambridgeshire, we recognise that exceptional outcomes for children are achieved by investing in our workforce. We are committed to providing a supportive environment where practitioners can develop, grow and succeed.

In return, we offer:

• Supportive leadership and regular reflective supervision
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• A strong culture of learning and practice excellence
• Opportunities to work within an innovative Family Safeguarding model
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of children and families