Senior Social Worker: Child Protection & Complex Assessments

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

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