Job Description

• £38 per hour
• Locum Social Worker opportunity
• Safeguarding Service
• Hybrid working only 2 days per week in the office
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Manageable caseloads and strong multi-agency working
• Immediate interview and start opportunities
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on children's lives

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for your next locum opportunity within a dedicated Safeguarding Service? Southampton City Council is seeking a skilled and motivated practitioner to join its frontline team, working with children and families where long-term support and intervention are required to improve outcomes and reduce risk.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a local authority that is committed to delivering high-quality services while providing social workers with the support, flexibility, and resources needed to undertake effective safeguarding work. With a competitive rate of £38 per hour and a hybrid working arrangement requiring only 2 days per week in the office, this role offers an excellent balance of flexibility and professional challenge.

Southampton City Council is committed to ensuring children and young people are safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential. The council continues to invest in its children's services and has developed a strong culture of collaboration, professional development, and relationship-based practice.

Working within the Safeguarding Service, you'll manage a varied caseload of children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection, and Public Law Outline processes, undertaking meaningful direct work and ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.

You'll join a supportive team environment where managers are accessible, supervision is regular, and practitioners are encouraged to focus on high-quality social work practice that delivers positive outcomes.

• Manage a caseload of children and families requiring statutory intervention.
• Undertake Child in Need, Child Protection, and safeguarding assessments.
• Complete Section 47 investigations and risk assessments where required.
• Develop and implement outcome-focused care and safety plans.
• Undertake direct work with children and families to assess needs, strengths, and risks.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court documentation.
• Participate in Child Protection Conferences, Core Groups, Strategy Meetings, and Legal Planning Meetings.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies including education, health, police, and legal services.
• Ensure children's voices are central to assessment, planning, and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in line with statutory requirements.

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registered with the Social Work England.
• Previous experience within Safeguarding, Child Protection, CIN, or Locality Services.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within a busy frontline environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• £38 per hour competitive locum rate
• Hybrid working with only 3 office days per week
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Opportunity to work within a stable and collaborative safeguarding service
• Access to a wide range of future local authority opportunities
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Excellent referral bonus scheme
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to vulnerable children and families

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
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