Gloucestershire

Social Worker – Safeguarding Team

Pay Rate: Up to £39 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Locum
Experience Required: Minimum 3 years’ statutory Children’s Social Work experience

About the Role

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. This frontline role focuses on protecting children at risk and working closely with families to deliver timely, effective, and child-centred interventions.

You will manage Child Protection and Child in Need cases, complete statutory assessments, and contribute to high-quality safeguarding planning within a supportive and well-established service.

Key Responsibilities

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

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire County Council operates the Signs of Safety practice model. This strengths-based, relationship-focused approach supports social workers to work collaboratively with families, balance risk and safety, and develop clear, meaningful safety plans that promote transparency and consistent decision-making.

Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Gloucestershire offers an outstanding quality of life alongside rewarding professional opportunities. The county is known for its:

Beautiful countryside, including the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Severn Valley
A mix of vibrant towns such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, alongside rural communities
Good transport links to Bristol, Birmingham, and the South West
Strong sense of community and family-friendly environment
A local authority committed to supporting social workers through good supervision, reflective practice, and investment in workforce development