Social Worker - Assessment Team

Social Worker – Assessment Team
Bolton Council | Locum | £37–£39 per hour
Full-Time | Hybrid working

Bolton Council is looking for a skilled Social Worker to join their fast-paced Assessment Team on a full-time locum basis. Based at the office and covering the borough, this role offers free on-site parking and flexible working, balanced with the demands of frontline assessment and safeguarding.

About the Role:
You'll work at the forefront of statutory intervention — managing duty, completing S47 enquiries, and progressing cases as needed. This is a role for someone confident in short-term intervention and making quick, well-evidenced decisions to protect children.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake home visits and complete initial child and family assessments
• Carry out S47 enquiries and coordinate strategy discussions/statutory meetings
• Provide short-term intervention and refer cases to the appropriate teams
• Cover the duty rota, managing incoming referrals and prioritising risk
• Initiate emergency court action (EPOs, Care Proceedings) when required
• Maintain up-to-date case records and meet statutory deadlines

Practice Model:
Bolton Council applies a relationship-based approach, underpinned by clear statutory guidance and a strong safeguarding ethos. Social workers are supported through structured supervision, close multi-agency working, and clear escalation pathways when concerns arise.

Requirements:

• Social Work England registration
• Previous experience in a referral and assessment team
• Strong knowledge of S17 and S47 processes
• Skilled in child protection, court work, and short-term planning
• Ability to travel across Bolton and work from the office at short notice

Benefits:

• £37–£39 per hour
• Free on-site parking
• Flexible hybrid working
• 37 hours per week (full-time)
• DBS and references required before start

Interested?
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips:
Phone: 01635 226350 / 07561 805 654
Email: mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com

We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.