Social Worker / Kinship Assessor

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; Tameside; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Social Worker for the SGO / Kinship Assessor Team in Tameside, UK. This role involves undertaking high-quality assessments and working closely with families and children to ensure their well-being. The position offers flexibility with competitive hourly pay of £35.00, part-time or full-time options, and a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in permanent family placements.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development

Supportive team environment

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Post-qualifying experience in children's social care.
• Experience completing kinship and/or SGO assessments.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive SGO and kinship care assessments.
• Prepare high-quality court reports and recommendations.
• Work closely with Children in Care teams and legal services.
• Undertake direct work with children and families for assessments.

Skills

Experience in children's social care

Ability to complete SGO assessments

Understanding of permanence planning

Report writing skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in Social Work

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Social Worker – SGO / Kinship Assessor Team

Social worker – SGO / Kinship Assessor team

Job Title: Social Worker – SGO / Kinship Assessor Team
Specialism: Social Worker – Children’s Services
Salary: £35.00 per hour
Contract Type: Ongoing, Part-Time / Full-Time

About the Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join the SGO / Kinship Assessor Team within Children’s Social Work. In this role, you will undertake high-quality assessments to support permanence planning, ensuring children are placed within safe, stable, and nurturing family networks. This position offers flexibility, competitive hourly pay, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families.

Key Responsibilities

As a Social Worker within the SGO / Kinship Assessor Team, your responsibilities will include:

Completing comprehensive Special Guardianship Order (SGO) and kinship care assessments in line with statutory guidance and local policy.

Undertaking viability assessments, full assessments, and support plans for connected persons and prospective Special Guardians.

Preparing high-quality, analytical court reports, including SGO assessments, kinship assessments, and permanence and support recommendations.

Working closely with Children in Care teams, court teams, and legal services to inform permanence planning and care proceedings.

Undertaking direct work with children and families to assess relationships, attachment, family dynamics, and safeguarding risks.

Assessing applicants’ capacity to meet children’s emotional, physical, developmental, identity, and cultural needs.

Identifying support needs and contributing to robust SGO and kinship support plans, including financial, practical, and therapeutic support.

Presenting assessments and recommendations at court hearings, legal planning meetings, and permanence panels where required.

Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners, including health, education, housing, and specialist services.

Ensuring assessments are completed within statutory timescales and meet high standards of quality and evidence.

Maintaining accurate, timely, and defensible case records in line with statutory requirements and council policies.

Participating in supervision, team meetings, training, and continuous professional development.

Contributing to service development, quality assurance, and inspection readiness.

Person Specification

Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work.

Registration with Social Work England.

Post-qualifying experience in children’s social care.

Experience completing kinship and/or SGO assessments.

Strong understanding of permanence planning and care proceedings.

Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989, Special Guardianship Regulations, and Public Law Outline (PLO).

Experience of court work and report writing.

Experience working within assessment or court teams.

Knowledge of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.

Flexible Part-Time and Full-Time working options.

Competitive hourly rate of £35.00.

Ongoing contract offering continuity and stability.

Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.

Strong focus on work-life balance.

Why Tameside

Tameside offers an excellent balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. Located between the Peak District and Greater Manchester, it provides access to stunning countryside alongside vibrant urban amenities. With strong transport links, a rich cultural scene, and a welcoming community, Tameside is an ideal place to develop your social work career while enjoying both city and countryside living.

About Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award-winning recruitment agency specialising in social care roles. With an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews and numerous industry awards, we are dedicated to securing the best possible rates and roles that align with your skills and experience.

Excellent 1,035 reviews on