At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care through assessments, case planning, and safeguarding investigations.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, a supportive and structured team environment.
- Benefits: Up to £32 per hour, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with mentoring opportunities and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 3+ years in children's services and strong safeguarding experience.
Not sure what skills you will need for this opportunity Simply read the full description below to get a complete picture of candidate requirements.
Pay up to £32 per hour (negotiable) | 37 hours per week | Hybrid (3 days office based)
Role Overview:
Nottingham City Council is seeking an experienced Children in Care Social Worker to join their service on a locum basis. This role offers the chance to work within a supportive, structured team, delivering high-quality services for children and young people in care.
You will manage a complex caseload, undertaking child protection investigations, progressing care plans, and acting as the Lead Safeguarding Professional in line with statutory and legislative frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver good outcomes for children through assessments, case planning, and direct work as the key worker for looked after children.
Undertake child-focused assessments of need within a person-centred approach.
Manage safeguarding investigations and hold a full caseload of complex cases, including suspected abuse and neglect.
Lead on court proceedings, permanency planning, and preparing high-quality reports.
Chair casework meetings, including discharge planning and review meetings.
Provide mentoring and support to less experienced colleagues and unqualified staff.
Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, ensuring services are child-centred, culturally appropriate, and outcome-focused.
Maintain accurate, evidence-based case records in line with GDPR and departmental standards.
Requirements:
Qualified Social Worker with Social Work Registration
Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience in children’s services
Strong background in child protection, safeguarding, and children in care
Proven track record of high-quality report writing and court experience
Ability to work independently and manage complex caseloads effectively
Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues is desirable
Contract Details:
Locum role
Full-time – 37 hours per week
3 days office-based, with hybrid flexibility
Pay up to £32 per hour (negotiable)
For more details, contact Ellis Russell at Sheldon Phillips:
(phone number removed)
Refer a friend and earn £300 if we place them! (T&Cs apply)
Social Worker - Child In Care in Nottingham employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and structured work environment for Social Workers in the Children in Care sector. With competitive pay rates and flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, collaborative teamwork, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your expertise and fosters growth in a rewarding public service role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Child In Care in Nottingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Sheldon Phillips Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Sheldon Phillips Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Sheldon Phillips Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Sheldon Phillips Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Child In Care in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Sheldon Phillips Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sheldon Phillips Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
