Consultant Social Worker (Childrens)

The Role


As a Consultant Social Worker within the Family Safeguarding Teams, you will:



  • Support children and families facing challenges such as complex neglect, sexual harm, physical harm, risks outside the home (including child exploitation), and parental learning difficulties.

  • Conduct direct work with children and young people to capture their voices and understand their experiences.

  • Engage with parents and the wider family network, utilizing Family Group Conferencing to identify strengths, address problems, and support behavioral change.

  • Receive regular and reflective group and personal supervision.


What Somerset are looking for


They're seeking experienced and dedicated social workers who:



  • Hold a Social Work England registration and have a minimum of three years post-qualification experience in Safeguarding Social Work.

  • Have experience managing court work/PLO, adoption work, and are qualified to write Child Permanence Reports (CPRs).

  • Are passionate about strengths-based practice and can build meaningful relationships to support positive outcomes for children and families.

  • Are adaptable, innovative, and skilled in leadership within social work.

  • Are proficient in IT and capable of using or learning LiquidLogic.

  • Hold a full driving license and have access to their own vehicle for travel within Somerset.


What Somerset offer



  • A supportive, rewarding learning environment with a friendly and passionate team.

  • Embedded Motivational Interviewing to support families in achieving sustainable change alongside multi-agency partners.

  • Encouragement to attend CPD sessions and access to training opportunities.

  • Hybrid working model - flexible working between home and our office in Shepton Mallet (minimum of three days per week in the office).


Key Responsibilities



  • Act as the lead professional on complex cases and provide expert statutory advice.

  • Undertake advanced assessments, including court reports and CPRs, ensuring a detailed, outcome-focused analysis.

  • Represent the service in legal proceedings.

  • Operate with professional independence, demonstrating expertise through CPD and post-qualification achievements.

  • Manage a complex caseload, making informed decisions and maintaining high professional standards.

  • Chair strategy discussions and key meetings to review and refine care plans.

  • Model and facilitate reflective practice to enhance team learning and development.

  • Contribute to the service's Key Performance Indicators and ongoing improvement initiatives.

  • Maintain a commitment to quality standards and continuous professional development.


    • If you are an experienced social worker looking for a rewarding locum opportunity in a supportive and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you!


    Apply today to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Somerset.




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