Gloucestershire County Council

Social Worker – Child Protection Team

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

About the Role

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Child Protection Team. This role focuses on safeguarding children at risk of harm, completing high-quality assessments, and ensuring effective multi-agency working to support children and families.

You will manage Child Protection and Child in Need cases, carry out direct work with children, and contribute to clear, timely decision-making to ensure safety and stability.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Section 47 enquiries and Child and Family Assessments.
Manage Child in Need, Child Protection, and safety planning work.
Collaborate with multi-agency partners including education, police, and health.
Prepare reflective, analytical reports for conference and legal processes.
Maintain clear, accurate and timely case recording.
Ensure the child’s voice is central to all assessment and planning.

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire uses the Signs of Safety practice model.
This model supports:

Strengths-based, solution-focused work
Collaborative engagement with families
Clear risk assessment and safety planning
Child-centred practice
Consistent reflective supervision
It’s a well-embedded approach across the authority, supporting high-quality social work practice.

Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Gloucestershire offers a fantastic blend of rural beauty, vibrant communities, and accessible travel links:

Home to the stunning Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and rolling countryside.
Great towns and city living options in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Affordable housing compared to major cities.
Easy travel to Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, Swindon and even London.
Excellent schools, amenities, restaurants, and family-friendly areas.
A supportive local authority with strong development pathways and a commitment to manageable caseloads.
It’s an excellent choice for social workers wanting both lifestyle and career progression.