Experienced Social Worker – Assessment & Child Protection

Ardent Social Ltd; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardent Social Ltd in Swindon is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Assessment and Child Protection team. You will manage complex cases, undertake assessments and develop child-centered plans to safeguard children and support families.

This role requires SWE registration, a degree or CQSW/DipSW, and proven strengths-based practice with safeguarding. You will work with children, young people and partner agencies, preparing court reports when required and adhering to professional

Qualifications

• Recognized Social Work qualification, such as a Degree, DipSW or CQSW.
• Current SWE registration with Social Work England.
• Experience in strengths-based social work, including safeguarding.
• Experience with complex cases involving children and/or adults.
• Postgraduate qualification desirable.
• Practice Educator training or willingness to supervise student social workers.
• Strong assessment, safeguarding and case management skills.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including reports and court evidence.

Responsibilities

• Complex Case Management: Independently manage a complex and multifaceted caseload, providing statutory social work support to children, young people and families.
• Assessment and Risk: Undertake ongoing assessments of social need, risk and potential harm, with a focus on parental capacity and the ability to make sustainable change.
• Child Protection: Identify and respond to indicators of harm and risk, ensuring safeguarding remains central to practice.
• Child-Centered Planning: Develop SMART, child-centered plans that enable children, parents and partner agencies to understand, measure and sustain progress.
• Statutory Social Work: Provide statutory support to complex cases involving high levels of need or harm, including cases that may progress towards court proceedings or statutory care.
• Court Work: Prepare reports for court hearings and present evidence where required, including matters involving the Court of Protection and High Court.
• Multi-Agency Working: Work directly with children, young people and families while collaborating with relevant partner agencies to promote positive outcomes.
• Professional Standards: Maintain professional standards in accordance with Social Work England requirements and the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework for Experienced Social Workers.

Skills

Assessment

Safeguarding

Case management

Court reports

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

DipSW

CQSW

Postgraduate qualification desirable

Job description

Experienced Social Worker – Assessment & Child Protection

• Location
• Job Type

Swindon

Contract

• Consultant
• Contact
• Reference
• Ashish Pattni
• 02081563358
• 1178

Job Description

Job Title: Experienced Social Worker – Assessment & Child Protection
Specialism: Children’s Services
Location: Swindon, UK
Salary: £42.00 Per Hour (Umbrella)
Type: Full Time / Temporary

We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Assessment and Child Protection team in Swindon. This is an opportunity to work within a dedicated service focused on safeguarding children and ensuring they are protected from harm and supported to achieve positive outcomes.

The role involves managing complex cases, undertaking assessments, developing child-centered plans and working closely with children, young people, families and partner agencies.

What you will do

Complex Case Management: Independently manage a complex and multifaceted caseload, providing statutory social work support to children, young people and families.

Assessment and Risk: Undertake ongoing assessments of social need, risk and potential harm, with a focus on parental capacity and the ability to make sustainable change.

Child Protection: Identify and respond to indicators of harm and risk, ensuring safeguarding remains central to practice.

Child-Centered Planning: Develop SMART, child-centered plans that enable children, parents and partner agencies to understand, measure and sustain progress.

Statutory Social Work: Provide statutory support to complex cases involving high levels of need or harm, including cases that may progress towards court proceedings or statutory care.

Court Work: Prepare reports for court hearings and present evidence where required, including matters involving the Court of Protection and High Court.

Multi-Agency Working: Work directly with children, young people and families while collaborating with relevant partner agencies to promote positive outcomes.

Professional Standards: Maintain professional standards in accordance with Social Work England requirements and the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework for Experienced Social Workers.

Requirements

• Recognized Social Work qualification, such as a Degree, DipSW or CQSW.
• Current Social Work England (SWE) registration.
• Proven experience in strengths-based social work, including safeguarding.
• Experience working with complex social work cases involving children and/or adults.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area is desirable.
• Practice Educator training or willingness to undertake training and supervise student social workers.
• Strong assessment, safeguarding and case management skills.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present evidence in court.

Why Swindon

Swindon provides an opportunity for experienced Social Workers to work within a dedicated Assessment and Child Protection service focused on safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and families. The role offers the opportunity to work with complex cases, contribute to child protection planning and develop effective interventions within a supportive professional environment.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we are passionate about connecting experienced social work professionals with high-quality opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on providing a transparent, supportive and professional recruitment experience tailored to your career goals and aspirations.