CSW Social Worker (Band 3) - Mid Rate

Social Worker - Children's Services Westminster City Council London Pledge Rates Apply Agile Working About Westminster Westminster City Council is committed to creating a City for All, where people are born into a supportive and safe environment, grow and learn throughout their lives, build successful careers, have access to high-quality homes and retire with dignity and pride. We work together to adapt to the changing needs of our communities, creating a dynamic environment where ambition, diversity and creativity are valued. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join Westminster Children's Services and contribute to the delivery of high-quality social work interventions that improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will manage a caseload of allocated and newly referred children and families, undertaking statutory social work responsibilities in line with national legislation, statutory guidance and local policies. This role requires an experienced practitioner who can confidently assess risk, develop effective plans, engage families and work within court and statutory frameworks to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes. Key Responsibilities Manage a caseload of children and families requiring assessment, support, protection or care planning. Undertake assessments and formulate plans in accordance with statutory guidance and departmental procedures. Complete Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP) and Looked After Children (LAC) plans. Undertake direct work with children, young people and families to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, statements and care plans within required timescales. Participate in court proceedings and provide evidence where required. Work collaboratively with partner agencies and professionals to safeguard children and promote their welfare. Ensure accurate and timely case recording in line with data protection and information governance requirements. Contribute to permanency planning and support children who are looked after or leaving care. Represent the local authority in its role as corporate parent.

What We Expect This Role to Achieve Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people across Westminster. Empower families and strengthen their resilience to safely care for their children wherever possible. Effectively engage children, young people and families in assessment, planning and intervention processes. Deliver protective and supportive services for children in need, children subject to child protection plans and looked after children. Achieve permanence, stability and security for children who cannot safely remain within their family network. Work collaboratively across agencies to deliver effective and coordinated support. Contribute to excellent social work practice that delivers measurable improvements for children and families.

About You You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker with a strong understanding of statutory children's social work. You will have substantial experience in assessment, care planning, safeguarding and court work, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with children, families and professional partners. You will be committed to delivering high standards of practice and be able to demonstrate cultural awareness, professional curiosity and sound decision-making in complex situations. Essential Experience Minimum of four years' post-qualified experience within Children's Social Services. Experience of developing and reviewing Child Protection (CP), Child in Need (CIN) and Looked After Children (LAC) plans. Experience working with vulnerable children and families in accordance with statutory guidance, ideally within a local authority setting. Experience of safeguarding children in line with the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004. Experience in one or more of the following areas: Early Help and Child in Need Child Protection Care Proceedings Permanency Planning Leaving Care Services

Experience undertaking robust assessments and analysing complex risks. Experience working directly with children and young people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Experience supporting families with complex needs and vulnerabilities. Experience working effectively with multi-agency partners. Experience producing high-quality reports, assessments and court documentation. Significant court work experience.

Essential Skills Strong understanding of statutory social work processes and legislation. Excellent direct work and family engagement skills. Ability to utilise a range of approaches and models when working with children and families. Strong reflective and analytical practice skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports and assessments. Effective time management and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory deadlines. Ability to analyse complex information and develop SMART plans. Ability to identify needs and support families to access appropriate services and resources. Commitment to accurate record keeping and data compliance. Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative and supportive team.

Desirable Skills Ability to integrate systemic and therapeutic approaches into practice. Knowledge and experience of Signs of Safety and systemic models of intervention. Ability to manage the personal impact of complex social work practice through reflective approaches.

Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work. Registration with Social Work England. Enhanced DBS clearance. Right to work in the UK.

Working Arrangements This role operates on an agile working basis, with flexibility to work from home two days per week, subject to service requirements.