Children's SW - Assessment Team - Peterborough

Caritas Recruitment Limited; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Children's Social Worker to join an Assessment Team in Peterborough. You will conduct timely assessments, balance safeguarding with child welfare, and work closely with families to promote positive change while maintaining accurate records.

You will collaborate with education, health and police partners, contribute to strategy discussions and legal planning, and advocate for children's voices in all decisions.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of working with children and families in a statutory or safeguarding setting.
• Strong analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make confident professional judgements.

Responsibilities

• Undertake timely, high-quality assessments for children and families.
• Manage a varied caseload involving at-risk or in-need children and young people.
• Develop effective plans and review outcomes with children, parents and carers.
• Prepare clear evidence-based reports and maintain case records.
• Participate in strategy discussions, child protection meetings and legal planning.
• Collaborate with education, health, police and partner agencies to coordinate plans.
• Advocate for children's wishes and ensure their voices are central to decisions.
• Travel to visits, meetings and other locations as required.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Assessment skills

Partnership working

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

An experienced and committed Children's Social Worker is required to join an Assessment Team in Peterborough. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families by completing timely, high-quality assessments and ensuring that children's welfare, safety and voices remain at the centre of all decision‑making.

You will manage a varied caseload involving children and young people who may be at risk of harm or in need of support. Responsibilities will include undertaking assessments, identifying risks and protective factors, developing effective plans, and reviewing outcomes with children, parents and carers. You will work in partnership with families to promote positive change, while taking decisive action where safeguarding concerns arise.

The role will involve preparing clear and evidence-based reports, maintaining accurate case records, participating in strategy discussions, child protection meetings and legal planning processes, and contributing to applications and proceedings where required. You will work closely with education, health, police and other partner agencies, ensuring information is shared appropriately and that plans are coordinated effectively. You will also be expected to advocate for children's wishes and feelings and promote their best interests at every stage.

Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. You should have experience of working with children and families in a statutory or safeguarding setting, with a sound understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and assessment frameworks. Strong analytical, communication and report‑writing skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and make confident professional judgements.

You will be supported by experienced managers and colleagues, with access to supervision, professional development and opportunities to strengthen your practice. The successful candidate will demonstrate resilience, empathy, accountability and a commitment to improving outcomes for children. A current driving licence and the ability to travel to visits, meetings and other locations may be required.