Children Social Worker - St Albans

Ackerman Pierce; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackerman Pierce is recruiting for 1 Children Social Worker within the St Albans Assessment Team. Hybrid working, Mon-Thurs 9-5:30, Fri 9-16:30. The role focuses on purposeful statutory social work with children, young people and families to improve safety and long-term outcomes.

The successful candidate will join an established local-authority service, working with colleagues, families, carers and partners to deliver timely, well-reasoned practice and safe, person-centred outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with professional registration.
• Experience in children's services and safeguarding practice.
• Ability to build purposeful relationships with clear boundaries and confident decision-making.
• Organised and resilient with strong written communication and ability to manage a demanding caseload.

Responsibilities

• Complete timely, evidence-based assessments of children and families.
• Develop, implement and review clear, child-centred plans.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate risk as required.
• Undertake direct work with children, young people, parents and wider families.
• Collaborate with education, health, police and partner agencies; attend meetings and coordinated planning.
• Maintain accurate records and case documentation to statutory/ organisational standards.

Skills

Relationship building

Written communication

Decision making

Caseload management

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Registered to social work professional body

Job description

Ackerman Pierce is recruiting for 1 Children Social Worker position within the St Albans Assessment Team - Mon-Thurs 9-5:30 Fri 9-16:30. This opportunity is suited to a committed professional who can undertake purposeful statutory social work and work alongside children, young people and families to improve safety, stability and long-term outcomes.

The successful candidate will join an established local-authority service and work with colleagues, individuals, families, carers and partner organisations as appropriate to the assignment. The emphasis will be on timely, well-reasoned practice, clear communication and achieving safe, person-centred outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Complete timely, evidence-based assessments of children and families in accordance with the service remit.
• Develop, implement and review clear plans that place the child's lived experience and outcomes at the centre of practice.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, escalating risk and taking statutory action where required.
• Undertake direct work with children, young people, parents and wider family networks.
• Work effectively with education, health, police and other partner agencies through meetings and coordinated planning.
• Maintain analytical records, reports and case documentation that meet statutory and organisational standards.

Candidate profile

• A qualified Social Worker with the professional registration required for the assignment.
• Relevant experience within children's services and a sound understanding of statutory safeguarding practice.
• Able to build purposeful relationships while maintaining professional curiosity, clear boundaries and confident decision-making.
• Organised and resilient, with strong written communication and the ability to manage a demanding caseload.

Service information and working arrangements

St Albans Assessment Team

Hybrid Working

Hertfordshire's Assessment Teams sit within Children's Services and are the front door to statutory social work intervention. The teams work with children and families where concerns have been identified and assessments are required to determine risk, need, and the appropriate level of support or intervention.

The service focuses on ensuring children are safeguarded effectively while supporting families to achieve positive outcomes through timely and robust assessments.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory legislation and timescales.

Manage a caseload of children subject to referral and assessment processes.

Complete Section 17 Child in Need assessments and Section 47 Child Protection enquiries.

Undertake direct work with children and families to assess risk and identify strengths and needs.

Develop and implement Child in Need and Child Protection plans where appropriate.

Attend and contribute to strategy discussions, legal planning meetings, Child Protection Conferences, and Core Group meetings.

Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and case recordings.

Work collaboratively with partner agencies including schools, health professionals, police, early help services, and voluntary organisations.

Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, assessed, and managed appropriately.

Maintain accurate and timely records using the council's case management system.