Staffordshire

Social Worker / Senior Practitioner – Assessment Team

Pay Rate: Up to £33.30 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Locum
Experience Required: Minimum 3 years statutory Children’s Social Work experience

About the Role

Staffordshire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker or Senior Practitioner to join its Assessment Team. This frontline role focuses on completing timely, high-quality assessments for children and families at the point of referral, ensuring proportionate decision-making and early, effective intervention.

You will work directly with children and families to understand risk, need, and strengths, while working collaboratively with partner agencies to support positive outcomes and prevent escalation wherever possible.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Child and Family Assessments within statutory timescales.
Respond to referrals and make informed threshold decisions.
Carry out direct work with children and families to understand lived experience.
Analyse risk, need, and protective factors to inform professional judgement.
Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners including health, education, and police.
Prepare clear, analytical reports and recommendations.
Maintain accurate and timely case recording in line with statutory guidance.

Practice Model Used by Staffordshire

Staffordshire operates the Signs of Safety practice model. This strengths-based, relationship-focused approach supports social workers to work collaboratively with families, balance risk and strengths, and develop clear, meaningful safety plans that keep children at the centre of practice.

Why Staffordshire Is a Great Place to Work and Live

Staffordshire offers an excellent quality of life alongside rewarding professional opportunities, including a mix of market towns, rural villages, and open countryside. With easy access to the Peak District and Cannock Chase, good transport links to Birmingham and Manchester, and more affordable living costs than many neighbouring areas, Staffordshire provides a strong work–life balance. The council is known for its supportive management culture and commitment to high-quality social work practice.