Leicestershire County Council

Social Worker – Child Protection and Court Team

Pay Rate: £38 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Leicestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Child Protection and Court Team.
You will work with children and families where significant safeguarding concerns have been identified, managing complex Child Protection cases and care proceedings to ensure children are protected and achieve positive outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to undertake meaningful direct work with families while managing court-related responsibilities within a supportive and experienced team.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Section 47 enquiries and Child and Family Assessments.
Manage complex Child Protection cases and Public Law Outline (PLO) work.
Initiate and progress care proceedings where required.
Prepare high-quality court statements, assessments, and reports.
Attend court hearings and work closely with legal services.
Develop and implement robust safety and permanence plans.
Work collaboratively with health, education, police, and partner agencies.
Maintain accurate and timely case recordings.

Practice Model Used by Leicestershire

Leicestershire Children's Services uses a Strengths-Based Practice Model supported by Signs of Safety principles.

This approach focuses on:

Building collaborative relationships with children and families
Identifying strengths and support networks
Transparent assessment and decision-making
Clear risk assessment and safety planning
Reflective supervision and continuous professional development
The model supports consistent, relationship-based practice and positive outcomes for children.

Why Leicestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Leicestershire offers an excellent quality of life with the perfect blend of countryside, market towns, and city access:

Beautiful rural landscapes and picturesque villages throughout the county.
Affordable housing compared to many neighbouring regions.
Excellent transport links via the M1, A46, and East Midlands rail network.
Easy access to Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, and Birmingham.
Strong local communities, excellent schools, and a wide range of leisure facilities.
A supportive local authority committed to staff wellbeing, professional development, and improving outcomes for children.
It’s a fantastic place to build your social work career while enjoying a great work-life balance.