Job Description

Social Worker Locality and Court Team Manchester City Council £35 per hour

Sheldon Phillips are working in partnership with Manchester City Council to recruit an experienced Social Worker to join their Locality and Court Team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and supportive service where you'll manage a varied caseload of children and families, undertaking safeguarding, court work and long-term planning to achieve positive outcomes.

The team works with children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection and Public Law Outline processes, progressing cases through court proceedings where necessary. You'll be joining a collaborative service with experienced management support and a strong focus on relationship-based practice.

Role Overview

As a Social Worker within the Locality and Court Team, you will hold responsibility for complex children's cases from assessment through to permanence planning. You will complete statutory assessments, manage child protection plans, undertake pre-proceedings work and prepare cases for court where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and families requiring statutory intervention.
• Complete Child and Family Assessments to identify risk and need.
• Undertake Section 47 enquiries and safeguarding investigations.
• Develop and review Child in Need and Child Protection Plans.
• Lead direct work with children and families to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
• Prepare court reports, statements and care plans.
• Attend Public Law Outline (PLO) meetings and court hearings.
• Work closely with legal services and multi-agency partners.
• Ensure all case recordings and assessments are completed to a high standard and within timescales.
• Participate in supervision and contribute to service development.

Benefits

• £35 per hour.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Supportive management team and regular supervision.
• Diverse and rewarding caseload.
• Opportunity to gain valuable court and safeguarding experience within a well-established local authority.
• Immediate start available.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Social Work England registration.
• Experience within Children's Services, ideally within Locality, Safeguarding or Court Teams.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.
• Experience of court work and preparing legal documentation.
• Ability to build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies.
• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Interested?

If you're interested in discussing this opportunity further, please get in touch.

Emily Cooper at Sheldon Phillips - (phone number removed) (url removed)