Social Worker – Children in Care Service

West Sussex County Council

£42.00 per hour
West Sussex
Hybrid Working Available
Locum Opportunity

Key Highlights

Excellent rate of £42.00 per hour
Join a highly regarded Children in Care Service
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Support children and young people to achieve permanence and stability
Strong management support and collaborative team environment
Opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children in care

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for your next rewarding locum opportunity? West Sussex County Council is seeking a dedicated and child-focused Social Worker to join its Children in Care Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a forward-thinking local authority that is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people in its care.

You will be responsible for supporting children and young people who are looked after by the local authority, ensuring they have access to the care, support, and opportunities needed to thrive. Working closely with carers, families, education providers, and partner agencies, you will help shape positive futures and deliver meaningful change.

About West Sussex County Council

West Sussex County Council is recognised for its commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. The authority continues to invest in its workforce and offers a supportive environment where social workers are empowered to deliver excellent practice. You'll join a service that values relationship-based social work, professional development, and collaborative working to achieve lasting outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of Children in Care, ensuring all statutory responsibilities are fulfilled.
Undertake regular visits and build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
Complete assessments, care plans, pathway plans, and reviews in line with statutory requirements.
Promote permanence planning and ensure children achieve long-term stability.
Work collaboratively with foster carers, residential providers, families, schools, health professionals, and partner agencies.
Prepare high-quality reports for court proceedings, reviews, and planning meetings.
Ensure the wishes and feelings of children and young people are central to all interventions.
Support young people through transition planning and preparation for adulthood.
Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive case recordings.
Contribute to safeguarding and risk management processes to ensure children remain safe and supported.

Candidate Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
Registered with Social Work England.
Previous experience within a Children in Care, Looked After Children, Permanence, or Safeguarding Team.
Strong understanding of relevant childcare legislation, statutory guidance, and care planning processes.
Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills.
Ability to effectively manage a busy caseload and prioritise competing demands.
Strong communication and partnership-working abilities.
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Why Work With Us?

£42.00 per hour locum rate
Flexible hybrid working model
Supportive leadership and experienced management team
Opportunity to work within a well-established and respected service
Ongoing professional development and reflective supervision
Collaborative team culture focused on achieving positive outcomes
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people
£500 referral bonus for successful recommendations