Gloucestershire

Social Worker – Child Protection Team

Pay Rate: £42 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Child Protection Team. This frontline safeguarding role involves working with children and families where there are significant concerns about safety and wellbeing, requiring confident assessment, robust planning, and effective intervention.

You will manage Child Protection and Child in Need cases, complete statutory work, and work closely with partner agencies to ensure children are protected and supported to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries.
Manage Child Protection and Child in Need cases in line with statutory guidance.
Develop, implement, and review safeguarding and protection plans.
Carry out direct work with children and families, ensuring the child’s voice is central.
Prepare high-quality, analytical reports for conferences, core groups, and legal proceedings.
Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health, education, and police.
Maintain accurate and timely case recording in line with statutory requirements.

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
Significant experience working within Child Protection / Safeguarding services.
Strong assessment, planning, and risk management skills.
Ability to work to statutory timescales and manage a demanding caseload.
Confidence in multi-agency working and professional decision-making.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire County Council operates the Signs of Safety practice model. This strengths-based, relationship-focused approach promotes clear risk analysis, collaborative working with families, transparent decision-making, and the development of meaningful safety plans that keep children at the centre of practice.

Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Gloucestershire offers an excellent quality of life alongside rewarding professional opportunities. The county benefits from:

Stunning countryside including the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Severn Valley
A balance of rural living and vibrant towns such as Cheltenham and Gloucester
Good transport links to Bristol, Birmingham, and the South West
More affordable living compared to many larger urban areas
A supportive local authority committed to high-quality practice and workforce wellbeing