Experienced Social Worker (Children's) – Social Care Qualified (Temporary)

Dovetail & Slate; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail & Slate Ltd is recruiting an Experienced Children's Social Worker for a hybrid role in Huyton. You will manage complex statutory caseloads within Child Protection and Children with Disabilities services, ensuring timely safeguarding and welfare decisions.

Responsibilities include conducting robust assessments, drafting care plans and court documents, and supporting newly qualified workers while adhering to PCF/KSS standards. SWE registration is essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with SWE registration.
• Minimum 2+ years post-qualified statutory children\'s social care experience.
• Full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle.
• Enhanced DBS (ideally registered on Update Service).
• Experience mentoring or assessing NQSWs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Carry out robust child-centred statutory assessments in line with guidance.
• Manage CP and CWD caseloads; lead Section 47 investigations.
• Formulate and implement Care and Protection Plans with the child\'s voice in decision making.
• Prepare court statements, care plans, and statutory reports for conferences and hearings.
• Support ASYE development and supervision.
• Maintain accurate case notes on IT systems.

Skills

Statutory social work

Court work

Mentoring/ASYE support

Driving licence

Education

DipSW / CQSW / BA / MSc in Social Work

Job description

Job Title: Experienced Children's Social Worker – Child Protection & CWD

Location: Huyton, Merseyside (Hybrid: 3 Days Office/Visits, 2 Days Remote)

Pay Rate: £32.00 – £39.00 per hour (Umbrella / Inside IR35) | £23.75 per hour PAYE

Contract: 12-Week Rolling Contract (Full-Time, 36 hours/week)

About the Role

We are seeking three Experienced Children's Social Workers to join a dedicated, supportive statutory Child Protection and Children with Disabilities service based at Nutgrove Villa in Huyton. Working under the supervision of the Team Manager and Service Manager, you will manage a varied, complex statutory caseload, ensuring the safeguarding and welfare needs of children, young people, and carers across the borough are assessed and supported in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out robust, child-centred statutory assessments in line with the Framework for Assessment and Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance.
• Manage complex Child Protection (CP) and Children with Disabilities (CWD) caseloads, leading Section 47 investigations and child-centred interventions.
• Formulate and implement outcome-focused Care and Protection Plans, ensuring the voice, views, and wishes of the child actively shape decision‑making.
• Prepare high‑quality court statements, care plans, and statutory reports for Child Protection Conferences, LAC Reviews, and Family Court hearings.
• Support the development of Newly Qualified Social Workers completing their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Practice strictly within the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS), maintaining accurate case notes on departmental IT systems.

Candidate Requirements

• Recognised professional Social Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, BA, or Master's in Social Work).
• Active, unrestricted registration with Social Work England (SWE).
• Minimum 2+ years post-qualified statutory children's social care experience (Child Protection / Section 47 / CWD / Court Work).
• Experience mentoring or assessing NQSWs through their ASYE is advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle for statutory community visits.
• Current Enhanced Child Barred List DBS (ideally registered on the annual Update Service).