South East England

38 GBP Per Hour

Children's Services

Contract

Reference 3371

Social Worker – Looked After Children Service
Somerset Council
£38 per hour
Hybrid Working Available
Contract Opportunity

Key Highlights

£38 per hour competitive agency rate
Work within a dedicated Looked After Children (LAC) Service
Hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility
Support children and young people to achieve positive long-term outcomes
Join a well-established team committed to relationship-based practice
Ongoing contract with the potential for extension

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to make a real difference in the lives of children in care? Somerset Council is seeking a passionate and committed Social Worker to join its Looked After Children Service. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority that prioritises the wellbeing, stability, and future success of children and young people.

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of looked after children, ensuring robust care planning, permanence planning, and effective partnership working to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.

About Somerset Council

Somerset Council is committed to delivering high-quality services for children and families through a strengths-based and child-centred approach. The authority continues to invest in its workforce, providing supportive management, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive and focus on achieving the best outcomes for children in care.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of Looked After Children in accordance with statutory responsibilities and timescales.
Complete high-quality assessments, care plans, pathway plans, and statutory reports.
Build and maintain effective relationships with children, young people, families, carers, and partner agencies.
Undertake statutory visits and ensure children’s voices remain central to all planning and decision-making.
Attend and contribute to reviews, strategy meetings, court proceedings, and multi-agency meetings where required.
Support permanence planning, including long-term fostering, special guardianship, and adoption plans.
Identify and manage risks effectively while promoting safeguarding and welfare.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with local authority standards.

Candidate Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
Registered with Social Work England.
Experience working within a Looked After Children, Children in Care, or Permanence Team.
Strong assessment, care planning, and relationship-based practice skills.
Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
Excellent communication, report-writing, and multi-agency working skills.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle preferred.

Why Work With Us?

Excellent pay rate of £38 per hour
Flexible hybrid working model
Supportive management and team environment
Access to ongoing professional development opportunities
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people
Long-term contract opportunities available
Generous referral bonus for successful recommendations