Children's SW - Court Team - Dudley

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

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Children’s Social Worker to join a specialist Court Team, supporting children and families involved in care proceedings. You will manage a varied caseload, complete high-quality assessments and make evidence-based recommendations that promote children’s safety, welfare and best interests.

You must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England, with substantial post-qualification experience in

Qualifications

• recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Post-qualification experience in children’s services.

Responsibilities

• Undertake statutory visits and assess risk and protective factors.
• Prepare detailed statements and court reports.
• Present professional evidence at hearings when required.
• Work with children, parents, foster carers, legal representatives, guardians, education and health professionals to represent children's wishes and feelings.
• Contribute to care planning, attend professional meetings, monitor placements and ensure records and case plans are accurate and compliant.

Skills

Communication skills

Report writing

Risk assessment

Partnership working

Anti-discriminatory practice

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

An experienced Children’s Social Worker is required to join a specialist Court Team, supporting children and families involved in care proceedings. You will manage a varied and complex caseload, completing high-quality assessments and making evidence-based recommendations that promote children’s safety, welfare and best interests. The role involves working with children subject to public law proceedings, including cases where permanence, care arrangements and significant safeguarding concerns must be carefully considered.

Key responsibilities will include undertaking statutory visits, assessing risk and protective factors, preparing detailed statements and court reports, and presenting clear professional evidence at hearings when required. You will work closely with children, parents, foster carers, legal representatives, guardians, education and health professionals, ensuring that children’s wishes and feelings are understood and appropriately represented. You will also contribute to care planning, attend professional meetings, monitor placements and ensure that records, assessments and case plans are accurate, timely and compliant with relevant legislation, guidance and court directions.

You must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England, together with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s services and an understanding of the court process. Experience of care proceedings, child protection, permanence planning and preparing high-quality court documentation is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound professional judgement, resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment. Strong communication, report-writing and partnership-working skills are required, alongside a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and improving outcomes for children. A valid driving licence and access to suitable transport may be required for this role. Enhanced safeguarding checks will apply, and you will be expected to maintain continuing professional development throughout your appointment.