Qualified Social Worker - Luton

RADAAS Ltd; Caddington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a committed Social Worker to safeguard children and families across Luton. The role involves conducting assessments, coordinating multi-agency interventions, and fulfilling statutory responsibilities while working in a supportive environment with development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have social work experience, registration with Social Work England, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in social work dealing with children and families.
• Registration with Social Work England is required.
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assess, support, and safeguard children and families.
• Coordinate multi-agency interventions and complete statutory duties.
• Prepare and deliver court statements professionally.

Skills

Substantial post-qualifying social work experience

Ability to assess complex situations

Strong communication skills (verbal & written)

Experience using local authority recording systems

Confident in multi-disciplinary work

Education

Social Work qualification

Social Work England registration

Job description

Social Worker - Children & Families (L7-M1) | Luton Borough Council 🌟

Department: Children, Families & Education
Division: Children's Services
Location: Luton
Grade: L7 - M1 (Spinal Point 26-31)
Reports to: Team Manager / Deputy Team Manager

About the Role

We're seeking a committed Social Worker (Children & Families) to assess, support and safeguard children, young people and families across Luton. You will work directly with vulnerable children, coordinate multi-agency interventions, complete statutory duties, and ensure every child's voice is heard through high-quality, strength-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete professional assessments of need and risk using Luton's effective support framework.
• Undertake statutory duties under the Children Act 1989, including investigations, court work, adoption/permanency planning and risk assessments.
• Develop SMART care plans that empower families and ensure effective multi-agency support.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with children and families through direct work and participation.
• Maintain high-quality case records on Liquid Logic, meeting all GDPR and timescale requirements.
• Prepare and deliver court statements, representing the Local Authority with professionalism.
• Maintain CPD through the Social Work Academy, supervision, and Research in Practice.

Working Environment

• Home visits across the borough (some lone working).
• Occasional exposure to emotional or aggressive behaviour (training provided).
• Frequent multi-agency meetings in varied locations.
• Remote/hybrid working aligned with Council policy.

About You - What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

• Substantial post-qualifying social work experience, ideally with children & families.
• Ability to assess complex situations, manage risk, and work with challenging cases with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills (verbal & written) and ability to produce clear reports.
• Experience using local authority recording systems and maintaining detailed case files.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities.
• Confident in multi-disciplinary work and representing the Local Authority in court.

Specialist Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Children Act 1989, related legislation, safeguarding procedures, and statutory responsibilities.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, thresholds of need, and significant harm.

Education & Registration

• Social Work England registration (required)
• Completed Social Work qualification.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel for home visits.
• Willingness to work outside core hours when requiredli>
• Enhanced criminal record disclosure (role exempt under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).

Our Practice Model

Luton is committed to strength-based practice, built around the 4 C's:

• Conversations that build meaningful relationships
• Curiosity to understand lived experiences
• Courage to try new approaches
• Consideration for diversity, inclusion and respect

Career Development

Our Career Progression Framework supports growth from Newly Qualified Social Worker to Senior Practitioner, with clear routes into Deputy Team Manager and Team Manager roles. You'll be part of a stable, supported workforce dedicated to high-quality practice and outstanding outcomes for children.