Experienced Social Worker | Family Safeguarding | Preston

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority council in Preston is recruiting an Experienced Children's Social Worker to join the Family Safeguarding Team. This role focuses on child protection and requires a collaborative approach with families and a diverse team of professionals. The position offers a salary range of £36,363 - £46,142 per annum and is a Fixed Term contract until November 2026. Benefits include flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a generous leave package. Candidates must be registered with Social Work England and have at least 12 months post-qualification experience.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Local Authority Pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in child protection and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of Family Safeguarding model.
• Ability to manage manageable caseloads.

Responsibilities

• Join the Family Safeguarding Team to support children's welfare.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Engage families in the safeguarding process.

Skills

Strengths-based approaches

Collaborative engagement

Motivational Interviewing

Education

Registered with Social Work England

12 months post-qualification experience

Job description

Salary £36,363 - £46,142 per annum | Fixed Term until November 2026 | Full Time, 37 hours per week | Family Safeguarding - Children's Social Care | Preston

International Sponsorship

This role is not open to international sponsorship.

Experienced Children's Social Worker

We are pleased to announce a new opportunity to join our established Family Safeguarding Team, based in Preston. Our teams consist of domestic abuse officers, domestic abuse practitioners, child and family practitioners, and mental health practitioners.

Family Safeguarding Team

Our Family Safeguarding teams are multi-disciplinary, spanning adults and child specialists, and hold core Child in Need and Child Protection work using a Motivational Interviewing approach.

Locations: Preston

Preston, Lancashire.

Salary: Grade 8/9, up to £46,142 (dependent on experience)

The role will be a Fixed Term contract, initially until November 2026, subject to further funding.

About Us

Lancashire County Council Children’s Services is a progressive and innovative workplace that embraces strengths-based approaches and the Family Safeguarding model of practice. This is an exciting time to join us as we undergo positive changes and develop our service.

As one of the largest local authorities, we provide numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development. Our supportive management team is dedicated to ensuring you thrive in your role as a Social Worker.

Working in the Family Safeguarding Team

Family Safeguarding is a way of working to help keep families together and achieve better outcomes for children and their parents by engaging them in a more collaborative way.

Our Commitment

We understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance and manageable caseloads. With national funding, we are enhancing our service by reducing caseloads, providing excellent training, and expanding our service offerings to positively impact Lancashire’s children and families.

Training and Development

New recruits will attend our established Social Work Academy, which includes an extensive induction programme, regular recall days, and training for ASYE social workers. Our Practice Development Managers lead this Academy, ensuring high standards of practice.

Why Join Us?

• Benefits: There's fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work life balance you'll love; 26 days annual leave, rising to 32 days with tenure plus 10 statutory/bank holidays and an additional 20 days that can be purchased. An Employee Assistance Programme for your family and yourself plus a generous Local Authority Pension available. Finally, we have an enviable employee benefits platform which provides numerous discounts from your weekly shop to holidays and entertainment with salary sacrifice options on electronics, bicycles, white goods, and cars.
• Development:We'll provide support and development at each stage of your journey with us from induction through to personal and professional qualifications. There will be opportunities for career progression both vertically and into other areas of the organisation if you wish. You'll have time for reflection and interaction with your line manager, as well as peer support from those within the wider team.
• Inclusivity:We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and have support groups available for everyone.

Application Process

• CV/Resume

We would be delighted to have an initial confidential chat with you. Please contact [e-mail] to arrange a call.

Please note, these roles require a minimum of 12 months post‑qualification experience. Unfortunately, these positions are not suitable for newly qualified Social Workers, or those looking to undertake their ASYE.

Closing Date

11th January 2026

Interviews

To be Confirmed

Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in Lancashire!

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

You must be registered (Social Work England) to be appointed as a Social Worker.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on the LCC Vacancies website.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

Job Description & Person Specification