Job Description

• Up to £42 per hour
• Locum Social Worker opportunity
• Localities Service
• Based in the New Forest
• Hybrid working 3 days per week in the office
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Manage Child in Need, Child Protection, and Court Work cases
• Strong focus on relationship-based practice
• Immediate interview and start opportunities available

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for your next locum opportunity within a supportive and well-established Localities Service? Hampshire County Council is seeking a dedicated practitioner to join its New Forest team, working with children and families to deliver meaningful interventions that create lasting positive outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the country's most respected local authorities, where social workers are empowered to build strong relationships with children and families while being supported by experienced managers and a collaborative team culture. Offering a competitive rate of up to £42 per hour and a hybrid working arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the office, this role provides the perfect balance of flexibility and frontline practice.

Hampshire County Council has a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality services to children and families. The authority continues to invest heavily in its workforce, ensuring social workers have access to excellent supervision, professional development opportunities, and the resources needed to deliver outstanding practice.

The Localities Service works with children and families across Child in Need, Child Protection, Public Law Outline, and care proceedings, providing ongoing support and intervention where safeguarding concerns have been identified. Practitioners are encouraged to develop meaningful relationships with families while working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve sustainable change.

The New Forest team benefits from a strong management structure, experienced practitioners, and a supportive environment where professional judgement and reflective practice are highly valued.

• Manage a caseload of children and families requiring statutory intervention and support.
• Undertake Child and Family Assessments and develop outcome-focused plans.
• Hold and progress Child in Need, Child Protection, and Public Law Outline cases.
• Complete direct work with children, young people, and families.
• Undertake risk assessments and implement safeguarding plans where necessary.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and court documentation.
• Participate in Child Protection Conferences, Core Groups, Strategy Meetings, and Legal Planning Meetings.
• Work collaboratively with education, health, police, and other partner agencies.
• Promote permanence, stability, and positive outcomes for children.
• Ensure children's voices remain central to all assessments and decision-making.

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registered with the Social Work England.
• Experience working within Child Protection, Child in Need, Safeguarding, Assessment, or Locality Services.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and work effectively within a multi-agency environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children and families.

• Up to £42 per hour competitive locum rate
• Hybrid working with 3 office days per week
• Opportunity to work within a highly regarded Localities Service
• Supportive and accessible management team
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Stable and well-resourced service
• Strong multi-agency partnerships
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Access to a wide range of future local authority opportunities
• Generous referral bonus scheme
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
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