At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through impactful social work in a dynamic team.
- Company: Forward-thinking organisation prioritising relationships and child-centred support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with frontline experience in child protection and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Rate: £38 per hour
Hours: 30 hours per week
Contract: Locum
Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum 2 days on-site)
The Role
Our Client is looking for an experienced and committed Family Safeguarding Social Worker to join their forward-thinking team. Here, relationships matter, practice is purposeful, and children are at the centre of everything. This service is driven by a clear, ambitious vision: to deliver compassionate, effective, and truly child-centred support that creates lasting change. At the heart of practice is a Relational, Systemic, and Decisive model – not just a framework, but a lived approach. You'll work closely with families, building on strengths, supporting sustainable change, and addressing challenges with clarity and confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload within frontline children’s services
- Undertake Child Protection (CP), Looked After Children (LAC), and Assessment & Intervention (A&I) work
- Complete high-quality assessments, plans, and reviews
- Build strong, purposeful relationships with children and families
- Work collaboratively within a supportive multi‑agency environment
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Completion of ASYE
- Extensive frontline experience in CP, LAC, or A&I (essential)
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding and statutory processes
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car (essential)
Additional Details
- Hybrid working available (minimum 2 days per week on‑site)
- Duty rota: 1 week in every 6
- Supportive team culture with a strong focus on quality practice and outcomes
Why This Role?
This is an opportunity to join a service where social work is valued, relationships are prioritised, and your work has genuine impact. You'll be part of a team where thoughtful, purposeful practice is encouraged and supported.
Referral Bonus
If this role isn’t quite right for you, refer a colleague or friend and receive a £300 referral bonus if they are successfully placed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Safeguarding Social Worker Locum Southend £38P/H 30Hrs
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Caritas Recruitment, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Safeguarding Social Worker Locum Southend £38P/H 30Hrs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Caritas Recruitment. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Caritas Recruitment. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caritas Recruitment
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Caritas Recruitment.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Family Safeguarding Social Worker Locum Southend £38P/H 30Hrs role at Caritas Recruitment, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Caritas Recruitment that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
