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Social Worker - Family Support Team

Thurrock Council

Up to £35 per hour

Are you a highly skilled and resilient Social Worker looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role within a dedicated long-term child protection team? Thurrock Council is seeking a committed and experienced individual to join our Family Support Team, where you will play a crucial role in safeguarding children and promoting family stability.

About the Role:

As a Social Worker in our Family Support Team, you will manage a diverse and complex caseload of children subject to Child Protection Plans, Children in Need plans, and Children in Care (CIC) plans. This is a long-term team where you will build sustained relationships with families and lead on significant legal processes, always striving for the best outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities:

* Manage a complex caseload, working with children and families where children are subject to Child Protection Plans, Child in Need plans, and Children in Care (CIC) plans, including those in care proceedings.

* Initiate Public Law Outline (PLO) and Care Proceedings, including the meticulous preparation of Witness Statements and comprehensive Care Plans for court.

* Conduct a range of in-depth assessments, including parenting capacity assessments, sibling assessments, and assessments of potential kinship/connected persons, encompassing Viability Assessments and Special Guardianship Assessments.

* Provide evidence-based analysis of significant harm to inform critical decisions within the court arena, ensuring permanence for children and amplifying the child’s voice throughout the process.

* Undertake Child Protection Enquiries under Section 47 of the Children’s Act of 1989, responding effectively to safeguarding concerns.

* Prepare detailed Child Protection Conference Reports and confidently present cases at Child Protection Conferences.

* Convene and chair Core Group Meetings, facilitating multi-agency collaboration.

* Undertake Core Assessments within the Child in Need Framework, implementing and reviewing Child In Need Plans, including chairing Child in Need meetings.

* Conduct Pre-Birth Assessments under Section 47 of the Children’s Act of 1989 where there are safeguarding concerns for an unborn child.

* Conduct regular home visits for monitoring purposes to promote the welfare of children, adhering to statutory guidelines under relevant plans.

* Conduct home visits, including school visits, to safeguard children, ensuring adherence to statutory guidelines.

* Liaise and work closely with a wide range of partnership agencies to provide comprehensive support to families.

* Complete Court Reports for Private Law Proceedings such as Section 7 and Section 37 Reports as required.

About You:

* A qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.

* Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, specifically within a long-term child protection or family support setting.

* Demonstrable experience of managing complex caseloads, including those in care proceedings.

* Expert knowledge and practical experience of Public Law Outline (PLO) and care proceedings.

* A comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation, policy, and guidance, including the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and relevant case law.

* Exceptional assessment, analytical, and risk management skills, with the ability to provide clear, evidence-based reports.

* Strong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, legal professionals, and partner agencies.

* Resilience, empathy, and a child-centred approach, with a commitment to achieving permanence and positive outcomes for children.

* Ability to work autonomously, prioritise effectively, and manage competing demands in a high-pressure environment.

* Possession of a valid UK driving licence and access to a car for business use.

What We Offer:

* A competitive hourly rate of up to £35 per hour.

* The opportunity to work in a stable and supportive long-term team with experienced colleagues.

* Regular, high-quality reflective supervision and management oversight.

* Commitment to your continuous professional development, with access to targeted training opportunities.

* The chance to undertake meaningful and impactful work, making a lasting difference to children and families in Thurrock