Qualified Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team

Job Purpose: As a Social Worker in the Duty and Assessment Team, you will be the first point of contact for children and families requiring social care support. Your role is to undertake assessments, safeguard children at risk, and ensure that appropriate interventions are put in place. You will work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with multi-agency teams to make timely and informed decisions about children's welfare. Key Responsibilities: Assessment & Intervention Conduct timely and comprehensive assessments of children and families in line with statutory requirements (e.g., Section 47 Child Protection Investigations, Section 17 Child in Need Assessments). Determine the level of risk, support needs, and appropriate interventions to ensure children's safety and well-being. Work directly with children and families to provide early intervention and safeguard at-risk individuals. Prepare reports for case conferences, court proceedings, and child protection reviews. Safeguarding & Risk Management Respond promptly to referrals and carry out initial investigations to assess risks to children. Work within legal frameworks, including the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and other relevant legislation. Engage with partner agencies (e.g., police, schools, health services) to share information and coordinate support plans. Escalate cases where required to ensure immediate protective action is taken. Multi-Agency Collaboration & Case Management Attend strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and core group meetings. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records using the council's case management system. Develop child-centred plans with clear outcomes and regularly review progress. Provide evidence-based recommendations and contribute to legal proceedings when necessary. Professional Development & Compliance Maintain compliance with Social Work England (SWE) regulations and local authority policies. Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and training to enhance professional practice. Support and mentor less experienced colleagues and newly qualified social workers when required. Person Specification: Essential Criteria Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, BA, MA, or equivalent). Registered with Social Work England (SWE). Experience in frontline children's social care, particularly within Duty and Assessment or similar settings. Strong knowledge of child protection, safeguarding procedures, and relevant UK legislation. Excellent communication, decision-making, and analytical skills. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Desirable Criteria Previous experience working in a UK Local Authority. Knowledge of Signs of Safety, Systemic Practice, or Strength-Based Approaches. Experience working with multi-agency safeguarding teams Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy