Social Worker

Social Worker – Safeguarding Team | Rochdale Borough Council | £39 per hour

Sheldon Phillips are currently working with Rochdale Children’s Services to recruit an experienced Social Worker to join their Safeguarding Team on a locum basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy and supportive frontline service working with children and families where there are complex safeguarding concerns, Child Protection plans, and care proceedings. The service is looking for confident practitioners who are passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and able to work effectively within a fast-paced statutory environment.

Role Overview

As part of the Safeguarding Team, you will manage a varied caseload involving Child in Need, Child Protection, PLO, and court proceedings work. You will undertake assessments, build strong relationships with children and families, and develop robust plans that reduce risk and promote long-term stability.

The role requires practitioners who are confident in managing complex safeguarding concerns, completing analytical assessments, and working collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure children remain safe and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans

• Undertake Section 17 and Section 47 assessments and investigations

• Complete risk assessments, care planning, and direct work with children and families

• Progress cases through Public Law Outline (PLO) and care proceedings where necessary

• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court statements

• Attend strategy discussions, ICPCs, core groups, legal meetings, and court hearings

• Work closely with schools, health services, police, and partner agencies to coordinate safeguarding interventions

• Build effective relationships with children, young people, and families to promote positive change

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with statutory requirements

• Apply strengths-based and child-focused practice throughout all interventions

Benefits

• £39 per hour
• Full-time locum opportunity
• Hybrid working available
• Supportive management and team environment
• Varied and rewarding frontline safeguarding caseload
• Opportunity to develop experience within a busy statutory children’s service

Requirements

• Social Work qualification and SWE registration
• Previous experience within frontline safeguarding teams
• Strong understanding of Child Protection, CIN, PLO, and court proceedings
• Experience completing S17 and S47 investigations
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Ability to manage complex caseloads effectively
• Strong multi-agency working and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence preferred

Interested?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Emily Cooper at Sheldon Phillips for more information:

07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com