Social Worker - Children in Care

Opus People Solutions Limited; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus People Solutions Limited is recruiting a Social Worker for Peterborough City Council's Children in Care Team. You will manage a caseload of children in care, undertake assessments and reviews, and collaborate with families and partner agencies to safeguard and promote welfare.

The role requires driving as a must, with hybrid working 2-3 days in the office. You will engage in child-centred planning, promote participation in decision-making, and prepare court documentation when required.

Qualifications

• Previous Children in Care experience - Essential
• Social Work England registration
• Qualified Social Worker
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Experience working within Children's Social Care
• Strong assessment, care planning, and relationship-based practice skills
• The ability to manage complex caseloads and make effective decisions in a busy environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children in care, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
• Undertake assessments, care planning, and reviews to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with children, families, carers, and partner agencies.
• Promote children's participation in decision-making and ensure their voices are central to all planning.
• Plan, implement, and review interventions to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Work collaboratively with professionals across education, health, housing, and other support services.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court documentation where required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in line with statutory requirements and local procedures.
• Demonstrate effective risk assessment and decision-making to safeguard children and promote their wellbeing.

Skills

Strong assessment skills

Relationship-based practice

Excellent written and verbal skills

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

About the RolePeterborough City Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Children in Care Team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with children and young people in care, undertaking statutory social work responsibilities and ensuring children receive the support, stability, and permanence they need to achieve positive outcomes.

You will manage a caseload of children in care, working closely with children, families, carers, and partner agencies to assess needs, develop plans, and deliver effective interventions that safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The role requires confident decision-making, strong relationship-building skills, and a child-centred approach to practice.

Location: Sand Martin House, Bittern Way, Peterborough

Rate: £39 per hour

UmbrellaHours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Hybrid working, 2-3 days per week in the office

Essential: Must be a car driver

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children in care, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
• Undertake assessments, care planning, and reviews to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with children, families, carers, and partner agencies.
• Promote children's participation in decision-making and ensure their voices are central to all planning.
• Plan, implement, and review interventions to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Work collaboratively with professionals across education, health, housing, and other support services.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court documentation where required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in line with statutory requirements and local procedures.
• Demonstrate effective risk assessment and decision-making to safeguard children and promote their wellbeing.

Skills/Experience

• Previous Children in Care experience - Essential
• Social Work England registration
• Qualified Social Worker
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Experience working within Children's Social Care.
• Strong assessment, care planning, and relationship-based practice skills.
• The ability to manage complex caseloads and make effective decisions in a busy environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This role may be eligible for a DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.

If you are an experienced Children in Care Social Worker looking for your next contract opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.