Social Worker (HAY BD B)

The role of a Children's Social Worker is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people by assessing need, managing risk and delivering interventions that improve outcomes for children and their families. The post holder works directly with children, parents, carers and partner agencies to ensure children are protected from harm and receive the support they need to achieve their full potential. The role involves holding and managing a complex caseload of children and families, undertaking statutory assessments, formulating and implementing plans, and coordinating multi-agency interventions. This includes work with children in need, children subject to child protection plans, children in care, and families subject to Public Law Outline (PLO) or court proceedings. Decisions are informed by assessment, analysis, evidence and professional judgement to ensure children's safety and wellbeing remain paramount. A key aspect of the role is building effective relationships with children and families, ensuring that the child's lived experience is understood and reflected in assessment, planning and decision-making. The post holder is responsible for identifying strengths and protective factors whilst assessing risk and need, delivering timely interventions and reviewing progress to ensure plans remain effective. The role requires close partnership working with education, health services, police, early help, youth justice and other agencies to coordinate services and achieve positive outcomes. Children's Social Workers are expected to lead professional networks around children, chair meetings where appropriate, contribute to safeguarding processes and represent the local authority in legal proceedings. The post holder is responsible for maintaining high-quality case records, producing clear and analytical assessments and reports, and ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, policies and professional standards. They are also expected to contribute to service development, support less experienced colleagues where required, and engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance their practice. The role requires a recognised Social Work qualification, professional registration, sound knowledge of child care legislation and safeguarding procedures, and experience of working with children and families in complex circumstances. Strong assessment, communication, analytical, decision-making and relationship-based practice skills are essential, alongside a commitment to achieving safe and positive outcomes for children.