Job Description

Social Worker Looked After Children Service
Somerset Council
£38 per hour
Hybrid Working Available
Contract Opportunity

• £38 per hour competitive agency rate
• Work within a dedicated Looked After Children (LAC) Service
• Hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility
• Support children and young people to achieve positive long-term outcomes
• Join a well-established team committed to relationship-based practice
• Ongoing contract with the potential for extension

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to make a real difference in the lives of children in care? Somerset Council is seeking a passionate and committed Social Worker to join its Looked After Children Service. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority that prioritises the wellbeing, stability, and future success of children and young people.

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of looked after children, ensuring robust care planning, permanence planning, and effective partnership working to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.

Somerset Council is committed to delivering high-quality services for children and families through a strengths-based and child-centred approach. The authority continues to invest in its workforce, providing supportive management, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive and focus on achieving the best outcomes for children in care.

• Manage a caseload of Looked After Children in accordance with statutory responsibilities and timescales.
• Complete high-quality assessments, care plans, pathway plans, and statutory reports.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with children, young people, families, carers, and partner agencies.
• Undertake statutory visits and ensure children s voices remain central to all planning and decision-making.
• Attend and contribute to reviews, strategy meetings, court proceedings, and multi-agency meetings where required.
• Support permanence planning, including long-term fostering, special guardianship, and adoption plans.
• Identify and manage risks effectively while promoting safeguarding and welfare.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with local authority standards.

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience working within a Looked After Children, Children in Care, or Permanence Team.
• Strong assessment, care planning, and relationship-based practice skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and multi-agency working skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle preferred.

• Excellent pay rate of £38 per hour
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Supportive management and team environment
• Access to ongoing professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people
• Long-term contract opportunities available
• Generous referral bonus for successful recommendations

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
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