Job Description

Wakefield Council | Locum | Up to £35 per hour
Children’s Social Worker – Locality Team
Child Protection | Safeguarding | Maternity Cover

Wakefield Council is seeking an experienced Children’s Social Worker to join their busy Locality Team on a maternity cover placement. The team currently consists of 4 Social Workers, 3 ASYE’s and 1 Advanced Practitioner, offering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Role Overview:
As part of the Locality Service, you will:

• Take part in the duty rota, which runs one full duty week every 4 weeks (handling referrals, s47 investigations, urgent visits, and child & family assessments)
• Manage a caseload of Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), PLO and care proceedings
• Contribute to longer-term safeguarding and child protection work to ensure positive outcomes
• Support children and families through effective assessments, intervention planning, and direct work
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and families to safeguard children and promote their welfare

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
• Strong experience of Child in Need and Child Protection work
• Experience of PLO and Court work is desirable but not essential (support will be given)
• Enthusiastic, committed, and adaptable – including CIC workers looking to transition into safeguarding/CP
• Ability to work flexibly between home and office (minimum office presence during duty days)

Why Join Wakefield?
Wakefield is a fast-paced but supportive environment with a strong and committed management team. You’ll benefit from:

• A clear duty rota and structured working arrangements
• Supportive colleagues and a permanent manager who values teamwork
• Access to Wakefield’s full training and development offer
• Flexible working – office-based only for duty days, with home working supported the rest of the time

Contract Details:

• Pay up to £35 per hour
• Locum, maternity cover role
• Hybrid working – office days during duty, home working otherwise

To apply or find out more, contact Ellis Russell at Sheldon Phillips:
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