Social Worker – Child in Need

Ardent Social Ltd; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardent Social Ltd is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children’s Services team in Swindon. You will assess needs, plan interventions and work with children, young people and families to secure positive outcomes.

The role requires registration with Social Work England, post-qualifying experience and solid safeguarding knowledge. You will manage a busy workload, maintain records and collaborate with partner agencies to support families.

Qualifications

• Registration with Social Work England is required.
• Post-qualifying social work experience is required.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and policy understanding.
• Ability to manage workload and write clear, analytical reports.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with partner agencies.
• Enhanced DBS certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments for children and young people in line with statutory standards.
• Plan, implement and review interventions with families to meet assessed needs.
• Manage an allocated workload independently and seek support when needed.
• Apply safeguarding legislation and respond to concerns appropriately.
• Engage with children, families and carers to support participation in decisions.
• Collaborate with health, police, education and other agencies for information sharing.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear case reports.
• Keep professional standards up to date and engage in supervision.
• Contribute to service development through teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Registration with Social Work England

Post-qualifying experience

Interpersonal & communication skills

Report writing

Microsoft Office

Collaborative working

Fluent English

Enhanced DBS

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic social care recording systems

Job description

Job Title: Social Worker – Child in Need

Specialism: Children’s Services

Location: Swindon, UK

Salary: £38.00 Per Hour Umbrella

Type: Temporary / Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Qualified Social Worker to join a Children’s Services team in Swindon. This role offers an opportunity to manage a workload reflecting increasing complexity, risk, uncertainty and challenge, while working collaboratively with children, young people, families and careers to assess needs, plan interventions and achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will work within relevant legislation, statutory requirements, professional standards and established procedures. You will be expected to manage your workload effectively, maintain accurate records, contribute to multi‑agency working and make effective use of supervision and reflective practice.

What you will do

• Assessment: Undertake assessments in accordance with statutory, regulatory and operational standards, considering the needs, risks and circumstances of children and young people.
• Planning and Intervention: Plan, implement and review appropriate interventions for children, young people and families in line with statutory requirements, policies and procedures.
• Case Management: Manage an allocated workload independently, prioritizing responsibilities effectively and seeking appropriate support where required.
• Safeguarding: Apply relevant safeguarding legislation, procedures and professional practice when assessing risk and responding to concerns relating to children and young people.
• Family Engagement: Work in partnership with children, young people, parents, families and careers, building effective relationships and promoting participation in decision‑making.
• Multi‑Agency Working: Work collaboratively with partner agencies, including health, police, education, probation and community, voluntary and private sector organizations, to support effective information sharing and coordinated interventions.
• Recording and Reporting: Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records in accordance with relevant policies and procedures. Produce clear, concise and well‑structured reports that appropriately record analysis, professional judgement and case activity.
• Professional Practice: Maintain appropriate professional standards and keep up to date with relevant legislation, regulation, guidance and social work practice methods.
• Supervision and Development: Make proactive use of supervision and appraisal to support reflection, performance, professional development and continuing professional development.
• Team Contribution: Contribute positively to the effective working of the team by sharing knowledge, offering advice and support, and contributing to service development.

What you will bring

• Registration with Social Work England.
• Appropriate post-qualifying social work experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of strengths-based social work practice with children and/or adults, including safeguarding.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant health and social care legislation and the wider policy context relating to children and young people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people at different levels.
• Ability to manage a workload independently and make evidence-based decisions.
• Ability to assess circumstances, identify appropriate interventions and respond effectively to risk.
• Ability to write clear, complex and accurate reports.
• Ability to use Microsoft applications and electronic social care recording systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
• Commitment to reflective practice and continuing professional development.
• Evidence of appropriate professional and personal development relevant to post-qualifying experience.
• Fluent English language skills where required for the effective performance of the role.
• An Enhanced DBS certificate.

Requirements

The role requires a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to work within relevant legislation, safeguarding procedures and statutory requirements, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. They will be required to assess needs and risk, respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and support positive outcomes for children and young people.

Why Swindon

Swindon’s Children’s Services provide support to children, young people and families across the area, with social work practice encompassing assessment, safeguarding and intervention. The role provides an opportunity to contribute to effective social work practice and positive outcomes for children and families.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we are passionate about connecting experienced social work professionals with high-quality opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on providing a transparent, supportive and professional recruitment experience tailored to your career goals and aspirations.