Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Children's Social Worker to join our Duty and Assessment team, covering Preston, Chorley, and South Ribble. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a forward-thinking and supportive service, making a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families.
We are proud to embrace strength-based approaches, including the family safeguarding model of practice, and provide a healthy work-life balance, manageable caseloads, and a supportive working environment.
Responsibilities
* Undertake statutory assessments of children and families referred to the Duty and Assessment team.
* Use a strength-based approach to assess risks, needs, and protective factors, developing plans to safeguard and support children.
* Work collaboratively with families, multi-agency professionals, and partner organisations to deliver tailored interventions.
* Ensure timely decision-making and intervention to achieve positive outcomes for children.
* Maintain accurate case records and adhere to statutory frameworks and best practices.
* Participate in team meetings and reflective supervision to continually develop your practice.
Requirements
* Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.
* Experience: Minimum of three years' post-qualification experience, preferably in a statutory children's social care role.
* Skills: Strong communication, assessment, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
* Knowledge: Understanding of children's complex needs, safeguarding processes, and relevant legislation.
* Other Requirements: A commitment to flexible working and a full driving licence to travel across the area.
Why Work for Lancashire?
* Flexible working arrangements and a hybrid approach to working.
* TOIL (time off in lieu) for working beyond 37 hours.
* Manageable caseloads (15-22 cases depending on function).
* Family-friendly policies to support your work-life balance.
* Mileage paid for travel and other benefits.
* Work within a progressive and innovative children's service committed to achieving positive outcomes.
How to Apply
If you are interested, please call Chris Richardson on 01772 208964 or email me your CV - Christopher.richardson@servicecare.org.uk
If this role isn't right for you, but you know someone who would fit perfectly to our engaged and devoted team and you refer them, you will receive a referral bonus of £350.
The benefits of working with SCS:
* A specialist dedicated Social Work consultant offering single point of contact.
* Exceptional referral bonuses - £350 per referral placed in to work!
* An extensive & exclusive range of Social Work vacancies across the UK
* Nationwide provider Social Work staff to over 200 local authorities.
* Payroll service twice a week.
* Ltd and PAYE payment options available.
* Annual training budget of up to £250 and continued online CPD training.
* Excellent Annual Loyalty schemes / bonuses.
* DBS disclosures provided via fast-track online services free of charge.