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- Tasks: Support children and families through child protection plans and care proceedings.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council, known for its outstanding Family Safeguarding Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a 9-day fortnight, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a social work degree, experience in child protection, and a valid driving licence.
- Other info: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential; reasonable adjustments available for applicants with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 24754 - 28454 £ per year.
Overview
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: Various locations across Leicestershire
Worker Category: Field Based Worker
Salary: Level 2 Social Worker – £38,734 – £45,982 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (inclusive of market premia at £3,283)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
Interview Date(s): 5th March 2026
About the Role
Come and be part of our Outstanding Family Safeguarding Service. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Children and Family Services at Leicestershire County Council. Our staff are at the heart of delivering excellent services to children and families across Leicestershire. Our recent Ofsted inspection praised Leicestershire’s work to build strong and long-lasting relationships with children and families which lead to many families achieving positive changes in their lives.
You can read more about our Outstanding Ofsted rating here.
Our Family Safeguarding Service specialises in delivering high-quality Child Protection Services to children and families across Leicestershire. In this role, as an experienced social worker, you will have a focus on overseeing children subject to child protection plans, alongside pre-proceedings and care proceedings, and therefore experience in this area is essential.
About You
To apply for this post, you must respond to and evidence the following 7 essential criteria within your personal statement. This should be no more than 1,000 words.
Please note: Previous applicants need not re-apply as all prior submissions have been reviewed.
- Have a social work degree or equivalent, e.g., CQSW or DipSW (with a specialism in children’s services) with a number of years’ post qualifying experience. You must also be registered with Social Work England.
- You MUST hold a full, valid, UK driving licence (or be able to convert your current licence) and have access to a vehicle.
- Be confident and experienced in statutory child protection services, including the completion of Care Proceedings, possessing strong assessment skills demonstrating the ability to make sound decisions that offer support and that are impactful. This would need to be demonstrated through clear and evidenced examples.
- Knowledge of UK childcare legislation and Local Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures, particularly in relation to child protection and Care proceedings. Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinning of social work practice and models used.
- You must also understand, and have a commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Be able to evidence your skills and knowledge of creative, innovative, and relationship-based social work, working in collaboration with families and professionals. Ideally, you will already be confident in the application of the Signs of Safety methodology.
- Have excellent prioritisation and time management skills to ensure the successful delivery of competing and changing work demands and be able to demonstrate this via examples.
Please note that an Enhanced DBS check is required for this post. Please ensure your application includes a full career history and provides reasons for any gaps. You must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion. In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.
About Leicestershire County Council
In Leicestershire, we offer a comprehensive package including options such as a 9-day working fortnight for full-time staff, hybrid working, and opportunities for learning, progression and wellbeing support. We are committed to our values and approach, including Signs of Safety and a trauma-informed, collaborative culture focused on helping families and staff alike.
For more information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please visit the following pages as part of the How to Apply process: Careers pages and related resources listed in the job posting.
How to Apply & Contact
If you would like an informal discussion, please contact the Resourcing Co-ordinator: Jennifer Neville. Tel: 0116 305 7690. To contact by email, please click here.
To apply, click the apply button and upload a supporting statement explaining how you meet the criteria listed in the About You section above. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Leicestershire County Council is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from ethnically diverse communities, LGBT+ communities and people with disabilities. Applicants who meet the criteria will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
Important: By applying for this post you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
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Social Worker -Family Safeguarding employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker -Family Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety methodology, as it's a key approach used in this role. Understanding how to apply this framework will not only enhance your practice but also demonstrate your commitment to the values of Leicestershire County Council.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current social workers or professionals in the Family Safeguarding Service. Networking can provide you with insights into the team's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in statutory child protection services in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed care proceedings and collaborated with families and other professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for continuous professional development. Highlight any recent training or research you've engaged with that relates to child protection and social work practices, as this aligns with the council's commitment to excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker -Family Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker - Family Safeguarding position. Familiarise yourself with the essential criteria listed in the job description to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement should directly address the 7 essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet each criterion, ensuring you stay within the 1,000-word limit.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in statutory child protection services and care proceedings. Be clear about your qualifications, such as your social work degree and registration with Social Work England, and provide evidence of your continuing professional development.
Showcase Your Values: Leicestershire County Council values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles or experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of child protection services and the Signs of Safety methodology. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for social work and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Think through your approach to handling difficult situations and how you would collaborate with families and professionals.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Leicestershire County Council values collaboration, curiosity, and aspiration. Be ready to provide examples of how you've embodied these values in your work and how you can contribute to their culture.
