Gloucestershire County Council

Social Worker – Children and Families 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 Children and Families Team.
You will be responsible for delivering high-quality assessments, safeguarding support, and long-term planning for children and families across the county.

Caseload:
You will hold around 18 cases, which will be a mixed caseload of CIN, CP, and CIC, including some court work.

This is a stable, well-structured service that places strong emphasis on reflective practice, multi-agency collaboration, and child-centred decision making.

Key Responsibilities

Complete assessments under the Children Act (Section 17 & Section 47).
Manage a balanced caseload of CIN, CP & CIC, including court proceedings where required.
Undertake direct work with children and young people to ensure their voice guides planning.
Develop high-quality care, safety and permanence plans.
Work closely with schools, police, health, and voluntary sector partners.
Prepare detailed, evidence-based reports for court and multi-agency meetings.
Maintain accurate case recordings in line with statutory expectations.

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire uses a Strengths-Based Practice Model, supported by the “Three Conversations” approach.
This framework promotes:

Genuine, person-centred conversations with children and families
Reducing unnecessary process and focusing on real outcomes
Building on family strengths and natural support networks
Clear, collaborative risk assessment and safety planning
Strong reflective supervision and professional autonomy
The model is well embedded and supports a consistent, relationship-based approach to social work.

Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Gloucestershire is one of the most desirable areas in the South West, offering a blend of countryside beauty and vibrant town life:

Home to the iconic Cotswolds, famous for rolling hills, scenic villages, and outdoor living.
Fantastic cultural hubs including Cheltenham (festivals, restaurants, shops) and Gloucester (cathedral, quays, museums).
Excellent transport links to Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, Swindon, and London.
Affordable housing compared to other South West hotspots.
Good schools, green spaces, and strong community atmosphere.
A supportive local authority committed to development, wellbeing, and improving outcomes for children.
It’s a fantastic location for both career progression and quality of life.