Social Worker - Assessment Team

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's services provider is looking for experienced Children's Social Workers to join their Assessment Team in Peterborough. The role involves investigating child safety concerns and working directly with families to ensure children's voices are heard. Candidates should be qualified, registered with Social Work England, and possess strong analytical and communication skills. The position allows for hybrid working during off-duty weeks, with a supportive team structure in place to aid case management.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Social Worker in children's services.
• Experience in assessment and safeguarding practices.
• Strong ability to make evidence-based decisions.

Responsibilities

• Investigate concerns regarding children's safety and wellbeing.
• Complete Section 17 Single Assessments and Section 47 Enquiries.
• Engage directly with children and families during home visits.
• Prepare Section 7 reports for legal proceedings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Case management

Engagement with children and families

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Children's Social Workers to join our Assessment Team. This is a vital role where you will respond to referrals involving concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing. Your primary responsibility will be to investigate concerns, assess risks and protective factors, and determine the most appropriate course of action to safeguard children.

You will work directly with children and families, ensuring the child's voice is central to all assessments and decisions. This role involves a wide range of statutory duties and requires strong analytical and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to new referrals and carry out initial investigations into child safety concerns.
• Complete Section 17 Single Assessments and Section 47 Enquiries.
• Participate in Initial Child Protection Conferences and Child in Need meetings.
• Prepare Section 7 reports for private law proceedings when required.
• Conduct home visits and engage directly with children and families.
• Ensure all decisions are evidence-based and focused on the child's best interests.

Team Structure & Working Pattern

The team operates on a three-week duty rota, meaning each team handles new referrals only once every three weeks.

When on duty, social workers are expected to work from the office at Sand Martin House.

During off-duty weeks, you will focus on ongoing cases with flexibility for hybrid working.

You will be supported by an Advice and Information Officer, a Children's Social Care Practitioner, and dedicated business support staff, allowing you to concentrate on direct work with families.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in children's services, particularly assessment and safeguarding.
• Strong ability to manage complex cases and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills with children and families.

If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you