Social Worker - Children in Care

Leaders in Care; Elstow; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Long-term locum contract

Supportive management

Manageable caseloads

Child-centred service

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Leaders in Care is seeking an experienced Children in Care Social Worker in a flexible hybrid locum role based in the Bedfordshire area. You will manage caseloads, complete statutory visits and care planning, and build strong relationships with children, families and partner agencies to deliver positive outcomes.

The role offers flexible hybrid working, long-term locum stability, and supportive management in a child-centred service focused on permanence and positive outcomes for children and

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England.
• Experience in Children in Care / Looked After Children or similar statutory service.
• Strong assessment, care planning and safeguarding experience.
• Confident managing complex cases and statutory timescales.
• Passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care with needs central to planning and decision-making.
• Complete statutory visits, assessments and care planning in line with legislation and local procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children, families, foster carers and partner agencies.
• Prepare reports and contribute to reviews, planning meetings and court proceedings where required.
• Work proactively to promote permanence, stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Skills

Relationship-based practice

Caseload management

Assessment & safeguarding

Education

Social Work England registration

Job description

Flexible Hybrid Working | Supportive Team Environment | Children in Care | Long-Term Locum Opportunity | Commutable from London

If helping children in care achieve stability, security and positive outcomes is what drives your practice, this Children in Care Social Worker role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference while benefiting from flexibility, strong management support and long-term stability. Based in the Bedfordshire area, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner seeking a long-term locum contract within a well-established and child-focused service.

You’ll have the autonomy to manage your workload effectively while working alongside experienced managers who understand the importance of relationship-based social work. This role is ideal for Social Workers with experience in Children in Care teams who are passionate about delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

Package & Benefits

• Up to £38 per hour.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Long-term locum contract with ongoing stability.
• Supportive and experienced management team.
• Manageable caseloads.
• Opportunity to work within a child-centred and outcome-focused service.
• Collaborative team culture with strong professional support.

About the Service

This established Bedfordshire children's service is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in care. The team promotes high-quality practice, collaborative working and a supportive environment where Social Workers are empowered to build meaningful relationships and deliver effective interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care, ensuring their needs remain central to all planning and decision-making.
• Complete statutory visits, assessments and care planning in line with legislation and local procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children, families, foster carers and partner agencies.
• Prepare reports and contribute to reviews, planning meetings and court proceedings where required.
• Work proactively to promote permanence, stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Previous experience within a Children in Care, Looked After Children or similar statutory children's services team.
• Strong assessment, care planning and safeguarding experience.
• Confident managing complex cases and working within statutory timescales.
• Passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.