At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a caseload of children in need, complete assessments, and prepare court reports.
- Company: Join Leicester City Council's vital Children In Need Team, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn up to £38 per hour, enjoy hybrid working, and get parking expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team focused on safeguarding and positive family changes.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 3+ years' experience in child protection.
- Other info: Contact Ellis Russell for a confidential chat and referral bonuses available.
Leicester City Council is recruiting experienced and resilient Social Workers to join their Children In Need (CIN) Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in one of the city’s busiest and most critical services, supporting children and families through complex safeguarding and court processes. This is a full-time agency role with a hybrid working model. Staff are typically in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with additional office days agreed with the Team Manager. The team is based at Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester, and caseloads will be city-based unless a child is placed out of area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of approx. 20 CIN, CP, and court-involved cases
- Complete Child and Family Assessments and S47 investigations
- Prepare robust reports and care plans for court proceedings
- Work closely with multi-agency professionals to safeguard children
- Support families to make positive, sustainable changes
- Maintain accurate case records in line with statutory requirements
Practice Model: This team operates under high pressure due to the high number of newly qualified staff, so experienced practitioners are crucial to maintain quality and stability. The focus is on robust safeguarding, court readiness, and child-centred practice.
Essential Requirements:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- At least 3 years’ post-qualified experience in a permanent position
- Strong background in child protection and court work
- Ability to manage a busy caseload with minimal supervision
- Excellent report writing and assessment skills
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Benefits:
- Up to £38 per hour (depending on experience)
- Hybrid working model – office days typically Tues and Weds
- Caseloads based in Leicester city
- Parking expenses reimbursed for local authority car parks
- Supportive team environment with experienced leadership
Interested? Contact Ellis Russell at Sheldon Phillips for a confidential chat.
Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Child In Need employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Child In Need
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Leicester City Council's specific policies and procedures regarding child protection and safeguarding. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of local practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Leicester City Council, especially those in the Children In Need team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions with the hiring manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions that focus on managing complex cases and working under pressure. Think of specific examples from your experience that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your report writing and assessment skills by being ready to discuss your approach to preparing robust reports for court proceedings. Highlight any successful outcomes from your previous cases to illustrate your effectiveness in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Child In Need
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Qualified Children's Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as managing caseloads, completing assessments, and preparing reports.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your relevant experience in child protection and court work. Emphasise your ability to manage a busy caseload and your strong report writing skills, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to safeguarding children. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your resilience and ability to work under pressure, which is essential for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your post-qualified experience, especially in child protection and court work. Prepare specific examples of cases you've managed that demonstrate your ability to handle complex situations.
✨Understand the Practice Model
Familiarise yourself with the team's practice model, focusing on safeguarding and child-centred approaches. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining quality and stability within a high-pressure environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough calls and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with multi-agency professionals, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Highlight instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for children and families.