Social Worker - Assessment

Duty and Assessment | Wigan Council | £39.00 per hour

About the role

This is a Duty and Assessment role within Children’s Services, focused on responding to new referrals, completing timely assessments, and progressing safeguarding work where concerns are identified. You’ll work closely with partner agencies and families, balancing pace with quality to ensure children are protected and plans are proportionate.

You’ll need to be confident in threshold decision-making, direct work with children, and producing clear, evidence-based assessments and reports.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a caseload within a Duty and Assessment service, responding to new referrals and safeguarding concerns.
• Complete statutory assessments and produce clear, timely written work to support decision-making.
• Undertake Section 47 enquiries where required and progress child protection work in line with statutory guidance.
• Carry out direct work with children and families to understand risk, need, and protective factors.
• Develop and progress Child in Need and Child Protection plans where appropriate.
• Work closely with multi-agency partners including schools, health, police, and early help services.
• Attend and contribute to strategy discussions, core groups, and other safeguarding meetings.
• Maintain accurate case recordings and ensure all work is completed to a high standard within timescales.
• Escalate risk appropriately and ensure children are seen and safeguarded in line with service expectations.

Benefits

• £39.00 per hour locum rate
• Frontline role with strong exposure to assessment and safeguarding practice
• Good opportunity for experienced social workers who enjoy fast-paced work
• Chance to make an immediate impact in a key statutory team

Requirements

• Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW or equivalent)
• Social Work England registration
• Recent statutory children’s social work experience
• Strong experience in Duty / Assessment / Front Door services
• Confident with safeguarding, threshold decisions, and multi-agency working
• Ability to complete high-quality assessments and maintain clear case records

Interested?

For more information or to apply, contact:

Emily Cooper
ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com | 07745 200325

Know someone suitable? We offer a referral bonus for successful recommendations.