Social Worker - Duty Assessment

Social Worker – Duty and Assessment Team
Staffordshire County Council | Locum | £33.30 per hour
Full Time | Hybrid Working – 3 Days per Week in the Office

Staffordshire County Council is looking for experienced Social Workers to join their Duty and Assessment Teams on a locum basis. This is a frontline service where strong assessment skills, effective risk management, and prompt decision-making are essential.

About the Role:
You will manage new referrals from the front door, carrying out thorough assessments and ensuring children and families receive the right level of support or protection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries within statutory timescales.
• Make informed threshold decisions using Staffordshire’s Strengths-Based Practice Framework.
• Undertake initial safety planning and identify appropriate next steps for each case.
• Lead multi-agency strategy discussions and contribute to legal planning where required.
• Write clear, analytical reports for court and statutory meetings.
• Ensure accurate case recordings using Staffordshire’s E-Start system.
• Work closely with families to promote early intervention and prevent escalation where possible.

Practice Model:
Staffordshire County Council uses a Strengths-Based Practice Framework across its children’s services. This approach focuses on collaboration with families, identifying strengths alongside risks, and building sustainable safety plans. The model supports social workers in balancing robust safeguarding with relationship-focused practice.

Requirements:

• Social Work England registration
• Experience in Duty and Assessment or similar frontline roles
• Skilled in threshold decision-making, assessments, and risk management
• Confident in fast-paced, short-term intervention work
• Commitment to strengths-based, family-focused social work

Benefits:

• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office
• 6-month rolling contract
• Experienced management support and reflective supervision

Interested? Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips:

Phone:

Email: mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com

We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.