At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through safeguarding interventions and court processes.
- Company: Cambridgeshire County Council, a progressive local authority.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, supportive team structure, and strong court experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with varied caseloads and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have strong court experience and a recognised Social Work qualification.
Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for experienced Social Workers to join their Family Safeguarding Team, supporting children, young people and families through intervention, protection and court processes. This is a busy and rewarding safeguarding role, managing a varied caseload across:
- Child in Need
- Child Protection
- Children in Care
- Pre-Proceedings
Working within the Family Safeguarding model, you'll focus on building strong relationships with families while managing risk, progressing plans and achieving safe outcomes for children. This role requires confidence in court work and statutory processes, alongside the ability to work effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete statutory visits across CIN, CP and CIC cases
- Manage a complex caseload, including cases in PLO and care proceedings
- Prepare and submit court reports, risk assessments and parenting assessments
- Attend court hearings (with support from senior practitioners/management)
- Chair CIN meetings and Core Group meetings
- Attend and contribute to ICPCs and RCPCs, including writing conference reports
- Take part in the duty rota, supporting incoming work as required
- Effectively assess and manage risk, ensuring timely interventions and safeguarding decisions
Why Join Cambridgeshire?
- Established Family Safeguarding model supporting effective practice
- Opportunity to gain strong court and statutory experience
- Supportive team structure with senior practitioner oversight
- Varied caseload offering breadth and challenge
- Hybrid working to support flexibility
Experience/Skills
- Have strong court experience (essential)
- Have previously worked within a Family Safeguarding model (essential)
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
- Are registered with Social Work England
- Can confidently manage risk, complexity and statutory processes
- Have strong assessment, report writing and communication skills
- Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
If you're an experienced safeguarding Social Worker with court experience looking for your next opportunity in a progressive and supportive local authority, we'd love to hear from you.
Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team in Cambridge employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Cambridgeshire County Council is an excellent employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive team environment and the opportunity to work within an established Family Safeguarding model. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from strong court experience, hybrid working options for flexibility, and a varied caseload that ensures both challenge and reward in safeguarding children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your court experience and statutory processes. Think about real-life examples where you've managed risk and achieved positive outcomes for families. This will show you're not just talking the talk but walking the walk!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in the Family Safeguarding model and court work. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Skills:When writing your application, emphasise your strong assessment and report writing skills. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage risk and complexity, so make sure to provide examples that demonstrate these abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your experiences and qualifications, making it easier for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Family Safeguarding model and the specific responsibilities of the role. Brush up on your knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children in Care processes, as well as any recent changes in legislation that might affect your work.
✨Showcase Your Court Experience
Since strong court experience is essential for this role, prepare to discuss your past court work in detail. Think about specific cases where you’ve had to present evidence or write reports, and be ready to explain how you managed those situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
This role focuses heavily on building relationships with families. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully engaged with families in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your communication skills and your approach to managing risk while maintaining trust.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
