Children's Social Worker - Pre - Birth

Qualified Social Worker - Pre-Birth Team Location: Middlesbrough Pay Rate: £31.74 per hour (Umbrella) Contract Type: Full-time (37 hours per week), Ongoing locum assignment Working Model: Hybrid (Office-based in Middlesbrough with flexible working and home visits) Role Overview An empathetic, skilled, and child-focused Qualified Social Worker is required to join a specialist Pre-Birth Team in Middlesbrough. In this vital role, you will work with expectant parents and families across Middlesbrough to complete early, trauma-informed pre-birth assessments. Your primary focus will be evaluating risk, identifying family strengths, and establishing robust support plans during pregnancy to ensure the best possible start for unborn babies and safe care pathways post-birth. Key Responsibilities Complete detailed, analytical pre-birth assessments in line with statutory timescales and local Middlesbrough pre-birth protocols. Lead Section 47 enquiries and participate in multi-agency strategy discussions where initial safeguarding concerns are identified. Formulate, implement, and coordinate pre-birth Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) plans. Prepare evidence-based court statements and care plans; attend Family Court hearings where legal intervention or care proceedings are necessary. Collaborate closely with South Tees health partners-including midwives, health visitors, perinatal mental health services, and substance misuse teams. Ensure the unborn child's welfare remains central to all planning while delivering supportive, anti-oppressive practice to expectant parents. Requirements & Experience Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Social Work (BA, BSc, MA, DipSW, or CQSW). Registration: Active registration with Social Work England (SWE) . Experience: Minimum 2 years post-qualifying experience within statutory Children & Families services, with direct experience in pre-birth assessments, child protection, and court work.