Senior Social Worker — Family Help Lead (Complex Case Leadership)

South Gloucestershire Council; Patchway; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

South Gloucestershire Council is seeking a Senior Social Worker in the Family Help service based at the West Family Help Hub, Patchway. You will lead complex casework, assess risk and coordinate multi-agency support to help children and families thrive.

You will supervise staff, contribute to practice development and drive service improvement while maintaining high standards and safeguarding responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
• Significant post-qualification experience within a local authority children’s services setting
• Detailed knowledge of children’s legislation and practice, with strong assessment, risk analysis, safety planning and complex statutory decision-making
• Experience of staff supervision, mentoring or practice development and ability to support others through reflective learning and guidance
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, colleagues and partner agencies

Responsibilities

• Hold the most complex cases across Child in Need, Child Protection and early Children in Care, with high-quality assessment, planning, intervention and review
• Make robust and timely decisions where there is risk of significant harm, balancing safety, rights and statutory responsibilities
• Facilitate family group decision-making, strengthen networks and coordinate multi-agency support
• Provide professional oversight, supervision, mentoring and guidance to staff, students and less experienced workers
• Lead group learning, workshops or areas of practice and contribute to service development and performance
• Support Team Manager with service quality and team performance
• Travel throughout the authority and surrounding area, with occasional work outside normal hours

Skills

Registration with Social Work England

Experience in children’s services

Assessment & risk analysis

Staff supervision & mentoring

Communication with families & partners

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Post-qualifying award

Job description

South Gloucestershire Council is seeking a Senior Social Worker in the Family Help service based at the West Family Help Hub, Patchway. You will lead complex casework, assess risk and coordinate multi-agency support to help children and families thrive.

You will supervise staff, contribute to practice development and drive service improvement while maintaining high standards and safeguarding responsibilities.