Job Description

Social Worker – Assessment & Staying Together Teams | Staffordshire County Council | £38–£40 per hour

Sheldon Phillips are working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council to recruit experienced Social Workers to join their Assessment and Staying Together Teams across the county.

These teams play a vital role in supporting children and families at a point where timely intervention and effective relationship-based practice can make a lasting difference. Staffordshire's approach focuses on keeping families together wherever it is safe to do so, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time while promoting stability and positive outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive local authority offering hybrid working, manageable expectations and the chance to work within services committed to restorative practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.

Role Overview

As a Social Worker within the Assessment and Staying Together Teams, you will undertake statutory assessments, lead safeguarding interventions and work intensively with children and families where there are concerns regarding a child's welfare. You'll build strong relationships with families, identify strengths and risks, and work collaboratively with partner agencies to develop plans that help children remain safely within their family networks wherever possible.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory guidance and timescales.

Complete Section 47 enquiries and lead safeguarding investigations.

Manage Child in Need and Child Protection cases.

Develop and review effective plans to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Undertake direct work with children and families using a strengths-based approach.

Progress cases through Public Law Outline (PLO) where required.

Work closely with multi-agency partners, including education, health and police services.

Prepare high-quality assessments, reports and case recordings.

Attend strategy discussions, child protection conferences and core groups.

Identify wider family networks and support arrangements to promote children remaining safely at home where appropriate.

Participate in regular supervision and contribute positively to team development.

Benefits

Competitive pay rates of £38–£40 per hour.

Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office.

Opportunities available across Staffordshire.

Supportive management and regular reflective supervision.

A restorative, relationship-based approach to practice.

Diverse and rewarding caseloads focused on achieving positive outcomes.

Immediate interview and start opportunities available.

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.

Current Social Work England registration.

Post-qualified experience within Children's Services.

Experience undertaking assessments and safeguarding work.

Knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection and Public Law processes.

Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.

Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment.

Commitment to relationship-based practice and keeping families together wherever safe to do so.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Interested?

If you're looking for your next locum opportunity within a supportive and forward-thinking authority, we'd love to hear from you.

Emily Cooper at Sheldon Phillips - (phone number removed)