Social Worker - Assessment

Position: Social Worker
Team: Duty and Assessment
Contract: Locum
Pay Rate: £33.30 per hour
Location: Lichfield Office Base
Working Pattern: One duty week every four weeks

Sheldon Phillips are working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council to recruit an experienced Social Worker to join their Duty and Assessment Team, based from the Lichfield office. This is a frontline statutory role within a structured service that offers a clear and predictable duty rota alongside assessment work.

The team provides a timely and proportionate response at the front door of Children’s Services, undertaking initial assessments and safeguarding enquiries to ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time.

What You Can Expect:

• A clearly defined duty rota with one duty week every four weeks

• A supportive and experienced management structure

• A balanced mix of duty and assessment work

• Strong multi-agency working with established thresholds

• Office-based duty weeks with flexibility outside of duty periods

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Undertaking duty work, including screening and responding to referrals

• Completing Child and Family Assessments within statutory timescales

• Carrying out Section 47 enquiries and participating in strategy discussions

• Undertaking home visits and direct work with children and families

• Making clear, evidence-based safeguarding decisions and recommendations

• Working closely with partner agencies including police, health, and education

• Preparing high-quality assessments, reports, and case recordings

• Participating in supervision, team meetings, and reflective practice

Requirements:

• Social Work qualification (Degree or equivalent)

• SWE registration

• Post-qualified experience within Children’s Services, ideally in Duty and Assessment

• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989

• Experience completing Section 47 enquiries and statutory assessments

• Ability to work confidently in a fast-paced duty environment

• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker seeking a predictable duty rota, competitive pay, and the chance to work within a well-established Duty and Assessment service at Staffordshire County Council.