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The Vacancy

At Cafcass, we're recruiting Children's Social Workers who share our passion, commitment and ambition to facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings.

Our Social Workers - professionally known as Family Court Advisers (FCAs) - play a vital role. You might work within Private Law team, where there is disagreement on the best arrangements for the welfare of the child(ren) involved), a Public Law team, where local authorities have raised serious welfare concerns, or a converged team covering both law types.

As the only organisation that does this kind of work, FCAs can make recommendations leading to lasting change for children and families, which is why this it is responsibility we take seriously. And why we're committed to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our colleagues to practice.

What you'll be doing

As a FCA at Cafcass, you will:

• Complete high quality assessments, engaging directly with children to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings - and ensure these are clearly and powerfully represented to the family court.
• Apply your expertise in risk assessment, analysis and mediation, advocating for solutions that place the child's safety, wellbeing and long term interests at the centre of decision making.
• Work with adults, local authorities, and a wide range of professionals to help resolve complex issues and influence better outcomes for children.

Who we're looking for:

We're looking for practitioners who are confident, curious, compassionate and committed to excellent social work practice.

To join us, you'll need:

• A Social Work qualification is essential.
• Have the Right to Work in the UK (we don't sponsor people to work in the UK).
• Registered with Social Work England (or likely to be able to register quickly if practising outside England).
• Recent, relevant experience of working directly with children and families.
• It's desirable you'll have experience in family court proceedings, or knowledge of Private and/or Public Law.
• For applicants with limited post qualifying experience, relevant pre qualifying experience supporting children and families may be beneficial.
• Strong organisational skills, professional resilience and the ability to work independently while effectively managing a varied caseload.

You can view the full job description in the vacancy documents.

Where you'll work

Our Social Workers work flexibly across multiple settings - including the office in London or Croydon, home, courts, schools and other appropriate, safe locations, and we ensure you have the technology to do this.

Shared learning is very important to us, and we bring our teams together regularly, both remotely and in-person, for team meetings and group supervision, which creates space to connect with peers and managers, reflect on practice, and feel supported.

You'll also have regular 1:1 time with your manager, especially during your induction, and again there will be a balance between doing this remotely and in-person, so you have opportunities to form in-person connections.

If shortlisted, the hiring manager will be able to give you more insight into what a typical week or month might look like should you join us.

How we support you

As the largest employer of Children's Social Workers in England, we're uniquely placed to support your professional growth and wellbeing.

At Cafcass, you'll benefit from:

• High quality equipment and technology to help you work efficiently and engage with families effectively.
• Access to specialist resources, guidance and training to strengthen your practice.
• A strong commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and healthy work-life balance.
• An inclusive environment that values diversity, encourages learning and constantly strives to improve outcomes for children, families and colleagues alike.

You can find more about how we support our practitioners on our website, and we'll share more during the selection process.

Next steps

Below we have set out an indicative timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.

Closing date: 20 August 2026

Telephone interviews: W/C 24 August 2026

Final Interview: W/C 31 August 2026

If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact

Before applying, we encourage you to read about our offer and pre employment checks. Any questions or concerns can be confidentially raised through your application.

Successful applicants will complete several pre engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If any criminal offences are disclosed, we will conduct an individual assessment in line with the DBS code of practice and the Cafcass DBS policy .

Where you'll work

In this role you will play a key role in supporting our teams and colleagues when they are in the office, like our Social Workers seeing children and families, or our teams being together for team meetings or supervision. Therefore, whilst you will benefit from working flexibly, including some remote working, you will also be required to be in the office on a regular basis.

If you join us you expect to have regular 1:1 time with your manager, especially during your induction, and again there will be a balance between doing this remotely and in-person, so you have both flexibility and opportunities to form connections.

If shortlisted, the hiring manager will be able to give you more insight into what a typical week or month might look like should you join us.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Our client Pembrokeshire County Council is looking for a Children's Qualified social worker to join their Assessment team.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Social Worker to join our team providing support to children and families in the Child Care Assessment Team within the Social Services and Housing directorate.

The Child Care Assessment Team is a statutory team that undertakes child protection, Young People Looked After, Court and family support work with families under the remit of the Social Services and Well Being Act (Wales) Act 2014 and related codes of practice.

We are looking for a qualified Social Worker to join the Child Care assessment Team who will be responsible in ensuring that the needs and services for children and families within Pembrokeshire. The Social Worker will be required to meet statutory timescales, complete assessments within timescales, undertake child protection investigations and manage their caseloads, including Court Cases. The Social worker will be part of a S.47 JI rota, consisting of two social workers on this rota daily and will be completing assessments of higher end child in need cases and where there are concerns being raised for exploitation. CCAT are currently developing a S.47 Team and an Assessment Team.

We provide a supportive working structure across all of our social care teams, ensuring you have all you need to perform to the best of your abilities, whilst doing a job you love. Supporting this team would provide opportunities to contribute directly to the work and safeguarding children and for personal development.

Benefits of working with Remedy

• A personal one-one service from your highly experienced dedicated consultant.
• Top tier supplier across London giving us first access to jobs
• Referral bonus - up to 250 per person placed.
• Double payrolls each week.

Terms & Conditions apply

You will be required to fully register with Remedy for all locum positions.

Remedy Social Care is a APSCo Standard agency and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the vulnerable. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS. Our objective is to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone with suitable skills and ability regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief. All applications will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit.

Qualified Social Worker, Children with Disabilities Team, Manchester City Council Pay rate to £35 per hour Contract role Vitalis are recruiting for experienced Social Worker to work in a Children with Disabilities Team in Manchester City Council.We are looking for a qualified social worker to join our children with disability team. You will join an experienced team of 4 social workers, 2 advanced practitioners and team manager. The team work with children who have disabilities and complex needs at all stages of intervention: CIN, CP, CLA. The team assess for appropriate packages of care including short break eligibility.The team are based in the South of the City at Etrop Court in Wythenshawe. There is free parking available nearby. The team are office based to support team identity, support and resilience. Home working can be agreed at the discretion of the team manager. You will have access to training and regular, supportive supervision. You will be joining the team at an exciting time as the service are a test & learn site for the Families First Reforms. Don't forget, if this role isn't the perfect fit, we're confident we can find one that is. We recruit across a wide range of public sector specialisms, including:

• Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
• Best Interest Assessor (BIA)
• Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
• Looked After Children (LAC)
• Children's Social Work
• Adult Social Work
• Service Manager
• Head of Service
• Team Manager
• Assistant Team Manager
• A wide range of housing roles
• Careers in SEND in local authorities

Agency Qualified Social Worker - No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Team
Location: Greenwich (Hybrid)
Contract: Agency

Job Summary

• Complete assessments and manage a caseload of individuals and families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) in line with relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
• Undertake safeguarding assessments, risk management, and care planning to promote the welfare and safety of vulnerable adults, children, and families.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, legal services, housing, immigration services, and external partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and case records, ensuring all documentation is accurate and completed within statutory timescales.
• Attend court proceedings, strategy meetings, and multi-agency meetings where required, providing professional social work expertise.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW or equivalent).
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Previous experience working within an NRPF, Assessment, Safeguarding, or Children & Families team in a UK Local Authority.
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, Human Rights legislation, and NRPF eligibility and assessment processes.
• Enhanced DBS and the right to work in the UK.

Job Title: QSW, MASH Team, Dudley Council

Location: Cable Plaza, Dudley

Rate: 38

Interviews will be onsite only, and successful candidates will be required to work from the officer every day for at least 2weeks and then 3 days on site afterwards.

Only CVs with relevant MASH experience will be considered.

The primary purpose of the role is to:

• Contribute to the delivery of an effective children's social care service as part of a social work team, improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Manage caseloads dependent upon experience, grade of post and complexity of cases, utilising specialist knowledge for appropriate interventions, needs assessments, care planning, and child protection investigations.
• Carry out high quality assessments, using child-centred, community focused, and multi-agency interventions to bring about positive change through developing effective relationships, and to secure the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Ensure children and young people are adequately protected in line with Dudley LSCB, departmental policy and procedures, relevant legislation and within Dudley's Restorative Practice Framework.

Connect2Dudley is a trading style of Dudley & Kent Commercial Services LTD - A joint venture between Dudley Metropolitan Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dudley is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Are you a skilled and passionate Social Worker ready to be the frontline response for children and families?

Do you have child protection experience?

Yes?

Randstad are recruiting for a Qualified Social Worker to join Edinburgh City Council's Children's and Families Service in their Child Protection team. This is a full time role offering a fantastic competitive pay rate.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Competitive rates of pay
• Mileage reimbursement
• Supervision
• Weekly pay
• One committed and dedicated point of contact
• An unlimited referrals incentive, giving you a 300 voucher for anyone you refer to us (T&Cs apply)
• A full range of free training available
• Access to 100s of discounts through the Hapi App
• Free healthcare, medical and financial advice available

Responsibilities:

• Acting on reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or significant harm to a child or young person.
• Participating in discussions with other core agencies (Police and Health) to assess the initial concern and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may lead to a joint investigation.
• Conducting comprehensive needs and risk assessments to determine if a child is at risk of significant harm.
• Applying for legal orders where necessary to ensure a child's safety, such as a Child Protection Order (CPO) in emergency situations, or a Child Assessment Order (CAO) to require parental cooperation for an assessment.
• Making referrals to the Children's Reporter for consideration of compulsory measures of supervision via a Children's Hearing.
• Contributing to the decision on whether a child needs to be placed on the confidential Child Protection Register.
• Developing and implementing a Child Protection Plan (and a broader Child's Plan) that outlines the specific actions, responsibilities, and timescales for safeguarding the child and promoting their welfare.
• Visiting children regularly, including meeting with them alone, to promote their welfare, development, and ensure their needs, rights, and views are heard and met.
• Offering practical and emotional support to families and parents, focusing on building family and community strengths and resilience to reduce risk.
• Carrying an agreed caseload, taking responsibility for organising and prioritising the workload, and monitoring the progress of the child's plan.
• Liaising and working closely with a wide range of professionals from other agencies, such as: Police Scotland NHS (Health Visitors, GPs, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service - CAMHS) Education (Teachers) Foster Carers and Residential Care Staff.
• Contributing to and attending case conferences, Child Protection Planning Meetings (CPPMs), Core Group meetings, Children's Hearings, and Court Hearings, providing reports as required.
• Ensuring all practice adheres to relevant Scottish legislation (like the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007) and Council policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• Social Work Degree
• SSSC registration
• PVG

Experience:

• Childrens

If you have any further questions, or wish to apply for this role then please contact Hannah on (phone number removed) or . Otherwise Apply Below and I will be in touch soon.

Are you thinking about a change in your career but not sure about this role? Whether you are an existing candidate, new to the locum market and are exploring some options or looking for a new permanent role, we have several exciting opportunities with competitive pay & flexibility. If you wish to discuss this further please contact me on the details above.

Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.

Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.

Our client Suffolk County Council is looking for a Qualified Social Worker to join their MASH team.

Typical Responsibilities

Communicating and engaging with children, young people and their families, with colleagues and with communities.

• Work directly with children, young people and families using the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework.
• Where required by the role, to act as Lead Professional for named families as directed by colleagues, being the key contact with the family and liaising with other professionals to provide a joined-up response.

Effective Practice, Assessment, Planning and Review

• Use Suffolk signs of safety principles, disciplines and tools.
• To work alongside children, young people, parents and families where there are early signs of social, emotional, health or behavioural issues to bring about sustainable improvement.
• Work within the service guidelines, statutory guidance and legal frameworks.

To respond to needs identified with the family by identifying and delivering evidence-based interventions as required

• To work with families with complex problems where statutory intervention is required under the guidance of senior Social Worker, Lead Professional or Health Colleagues as appropriate.
• Engage in individual and group supervision with managers and practice leads.
• Undertake and maintain accurate recording and reporting as appropriate.
• Where required by the role:
  • Participate in CAF, multi-agency assessment, Statutory Assessment and other relevant assessment processes.
  • Take responsibility for managing cases and holding appropriate levels of risk, overseeing the input of social workers where involved.
  • Mentor and/or supervise junior colleagues or students and facilitate individual and group supervision with team members.

Information, Advice and Signposting

• To provide information and signposting for children, young people and families to relevant universal and specialist services in the local area and beyond where appropriate.

Multi-Agency and Partnership Working

• Actively build relationships and networks with other professional groups and services in the locality.

Managing Risk and Safeguarding

• To identify risk and safeguarding concerns and escalate immediately where appropriate.
• To undertake other tasks allocated by manager or senior colleagues, in keeping with the responsibilities of the grade:
• Work in accordance with the Council's statutory responsibilities, policies and service procedures and comply with equality and diversity policies, procedures and legislation.
• Maintaining customer confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act and SCC guidance.
• Participate in performance appraisal and consultation with team managers as required.
• Having regard to best value principles as part of daily practice.
• Participating in training and development opportunities, to improve personal knowledge, skills and effectiveness.
• To transport children and young people where required by job role.

To work in the homes of children and families and in a variety of other settings

Benefits of working with Remedy

• A personal one-one service from your highly experienced dedicated consultant.
• Top tier supplier across London giving us first access to jobs
• Referral bonus - up to 250 per person placed.
• Double payrolls each week.

Terms & Conditions apply

You will be required to fully register with Remedy for all locum positions.

Remedy Social Care is a APSCo Standard agency and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the vulnerable. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS. Our objective is to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone with suitable skills and ability regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief. All applications will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit.

Court Social Worker (Non-Caseholding)

Location: Huyton, Merseyside
Pay Rate: 31.15 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Agency/Temporary
Hours: Full-time

Are you a Qualified Social Worker with strong court experience looking for a role where you can focus on achieving positive outcomes for children without managing a caseload?

We're recruiting for an experienced Court Social Worker to join the Accelerated Permanence Team in Huyton, Merseyside. This is an excellent opportunity to use your analytical expertise and report-writing skills to support permanency planning and improve outcomes for children and young people.

The Role

Working alongside the Child Looked After Service, you will provide specialist support by producing high-quality assessments, court reports and statements that assist with permanency planning. As this is a non-caseholding role, you'll focus on delivering evidence-based work within agreed timescales, helping to reduce delay and support timely decision-making for children and families.

You'll work collaboratively with allocated social workers, legal professionals and partner agencies to ensure children achieve safe, stable and permanent outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce comprehensive assessments, court reports and statements.
• Support permanency planning for children and young people.
• Work in partnership with allocated social workers and multi-agency professionals.
• Prepare high-quality evidence for court proceedings.
• Contribute to effective planning that reduces drift and delay.
• Ensure all work complies with statutory legislation, policies and best practice.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recording.
• Build positive working relationships with children, families and partner agencies.

About You

To be successful, you will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Significant experience within Children's Social Care.
• Proven experience preparing high-quality court reports and statements.
• Strong knowledge of public law and children's legislation.
• Excellent analytical, assessment and report-writing skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict court timescales.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children and families.

Pay & Benefits

• 31.15 per hour (Umbrella).
• Full-time agency opportunity.
• Non-caseholding role focused on court work and permanency planning.
• Hybrid working available.
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Social Work England registration.
• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).
• Recent experience within Children's Social Care.
• Proven court work experience within children's services.

If you're an experienced Children's Social Worker looking to use your court expertise in a dedicated, non-caseholding role, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this excellent opportunity in Huyton, Merseyside. For more information, contact Natasha Haddon

Connect2Dorset is recruiting an experienced Children's Social Worker to join Dorset Council's Child Protection & Permanence Team in the Bridport region .

This is an exciting opportunity to work with Children in Care, adoption planning, permanence planning, safeguarding and court proceedings, helping children achieve safe, stable and permanent outcomes.

Manage a caseload of Children in Care (CIC) and permanence cases
Undertake court work and care proceedings
Complete Child Permanence Reports (CPRs)
Carry out assessments, care planning and statutory visits
Support adoption and permanence planning
Work closely with children, families, carers and partner agencies
Maintain accurate case records and reports
Deliver positive outcomes through child-centred social work practice

Qualified Social Worker (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)
Social Work England registration
Experience within Children's Social Care
Children in Care (CIC/LAC) experience
Court work and safeguarding experience
Child Permanence Report (CPR) writing experience
Enhanced DBS and Right to Work in the UK

38.00 - 42.00 per hour plus 150 per week allowable expenses

(Allowable expenses are payable where the candidate's home address is more than 30 miles from the designated work location hub, subject to Connect2Dorset's Terms & Conditions).

Opportunity to work within a progressive Child Protection service 500 Referral Bonus (Terms & Conditions Apply)

APPLY NOW

If you're looking for your next Locum Children's Social Worker Job in Dorset, we'd love to hear from you.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Long-Term Contract CIN/CP Team Average Caseload of 18 Minimal Court Work Up to 40 P/H Yorkshire

If you are an experienced Children's Social Worker looking for a long-term contract within a supportive Children in Need and Child Protection team, this opportunity offers stability, flexibility, and manageable workloads. Based in Yorkshire, you'll join a well-established team with an average caseload of just 18, minimal court work, and a hybrid working model requiring only two office days per week.

You'll be part of a collaborative service where managers are approachable, experienced, and committed to supporting high-quality practice. The focus is on achieving positive outcomes for children and families while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Package & Benefits

• Up to 40 per hour.
• Long-term contract offering stability and continuity.
• Average caseload of 18 children.
• Predominantly Children in Need and Child Protection work with minimal court involvement.
• Hybrid working with 2 office days per week.
• Supportive management team with a strong focus on quality practice and staff wellbeing.
• About the Company You'll be joining a well-regarded local authority children's service with a stable management team and a strong commitment to delivering effective support to vulnerable children and families. The service prioritises realistic caseloads, collaborative working, and providing social workers with the tools and support needed to deliver outstanding practice.
  
  Key Responsibilities
• Manage a caseload of Children in Need and Child Protection cases.
• Complete statutory assessments, plans, and reviews in line with legislation and best practice.
• Build effective relationships with children, families, and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
• Undertake visits, risk assessments, and safeguarding interventions.
• Contribute to care proceedings where required, although court work is kept to a minimum.
• About You
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Recent experience within a Children in Need and/or Child Protection team.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory responsibilities.
• Confident in managing complex cases and working collaboratively with partner agencies.