At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage child protection cases and conduct assessments to support families in need.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, a respected local authority focused on quality social work.
- Benefits: Earn up to £39 per hour with supportive management and manageable caseloads.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 3+ years of experience in child protection and safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a stable team with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 39 £ per hour.
Hertfordshire County Council is offering an excellent locum opportunity for an experienced Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join their Family Safeguarding Team in Stevenage. This role is ideal for a confident frontline practitioner looking for strong hourly rates, manageable caseloads, and a supportive service that values good social work. You will be joining a well-established Family Safeguarding model with clear structures, multi-disciplinary support, and realistic expectations - allowing you to focus on quality practice rather than firefighting.
The Role
- Manage a balanced mixed caseload of Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cases (up to 18 cases)
- Complete robust statutory assessments to a high standard
- Prepare clear, well-evidenced reports for court and care proceedings
- Undertake purposeful direct work with children and families
- Work closely with partner agencies as part of an integrated Family Safeguarding approach
- Maintain accurate, timely and compliant case records
What You'll Need
- Qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years' post-qualified experience
- Proven experience in CIN, CP and court work
- Strong safeguarding expertise and confident decision-making
- Ability to produce high-quality written assessments and reports
- Excellent communication skills
- Car driver essential
Why Locums Choose Hertfordshire
- Up to £39 per hour (umbrella)
- Supportive managers with clear expectations
- Established Family Safeguarding teams with multi-disciplinary input
- Manageable caseloads that prioritise quality over volume
- Opportunity to make a real difference within a respected and stable local authority
Children Social Worker - Family Safeguarding employer: Guidant Global
Contact Detail:
Guidant Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Social Worker - Family Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the social work field, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work. Think about your experiences with Child in Need and Child Protection cases, and be ready to share examples that highlight your skills and decision-making abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you love working in this field. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great locum opportunities, including the Family Safeguarding role at Hertfordshire County Council. It’s a quick and easy way to get your application in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Children Social Worker - Family Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Child in Need and Child Protection cases. We want to see how your skills align with the Family Safeguarding model, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires high-quality written assessments and reports, ensure your application is clear and well-structured. Use concise language and make it easy for us to see your ability to produce robust documentation.
Highlight Your Teamwork: Working closely with partner agencies is key in this role. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in your previous positions. We love to see candidates who can work well in a multi-disciplinary environment!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cases. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios you might face in the role. Think about examples from your previous work where you made tough decisions or handled complex situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a social worker, communication is key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and listen actively. You might even want to prepare a brief example of how you’ve effectively communicated with families or partner agencies in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, support structures, and what success looks like in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.