Job Description

The Role

As a Consultant Social Worker within the Family Safeguarding Teams, you will:

• Support children and families facing challenges such as complex neglect, sexual harm, physical harm, risks outside the home (including child exploitation), and parental learning difficulties.
• Conduct direct work with children and young people to capture their voices and understand their experiences.
• Engage with parents and the wider family network, utilizing Family Group Conferencing to identify strengths, address problems, and support behavioral change.
• Receive regular and reflective group and personal supervision.

What Somerset are looking for

They're seeking experienced and dedicated social workers who:

• Hold a Social Work England registration and have a minimum of three years post-qualification experience in Safeguarding Social Work.
• Have experience managing court work/PLO, adoption work, and are qualified to write Child Permanence Reports (CPRs).
• Are passionate about strengths-based practice and can build meaningful relationships to support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Are adaptable, innovative, and skilled in leadership within social work.
• Are proficient in IT and capable of using or learning LiquidLogic.
• Hold a full driving license and have access to their own vehicle for travel within Somerset.

What Somerset offer

• A supportive, rewarding learning environment with a friendly and passionate team.
• Embedded Motivational Interviewing to support families in achieving sustainable change alongside multi-agency partners.
• Encouragement to attend CPD sessions and access to training opportunities.
• Hybrid working model - flexible working between home and our office in Shepton Mallet (minimum of three days per week in the office).

Key Responsibilities

1. Act as the lead professional on complex cases and provide expert statutory advice.
2. Undertake advanced assessments, including court reports and CPRs, ensuring a detailed, outcome-focused analysis.
3. Represent the service in legal proceedings.
4. Operate with professional independence, demonstrating expertise through CPD and post-qualification achievements.
5. Manage a complex caseload, making informed decisions and maintaining high professional standards.
6. Chair strategy discussions and key meetings to review and refine care plans.
7. Model and facilitate reflective practice to enhance team learning and development.
8. Contribute to the service's Key Performance Indicators and ongoing improvement initiatives.
9. Maintain a commitment to quality standards and continuous professional development.

If you are an experienced social worker looking for a rewarding locum opportunity in a supportive and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Somerset.