Mou Childrens Senior Social Worker

Mou Children's Senior Social Worker (Contract) – Connecting Families, Durham

Are you a passionate and dedicated children's social worker looking to make a meaningful difference in young lives? We are currently seeking a Mou Children's Senior Social Worker to join Durham’s Connecting Families team on a 3-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a small, supportive, and innovative environment, focusing on family reunification for children in care.

About the Role: Mou Children's Senior Social Worker

As a Mou Children's Senior Social Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting children and their families to create the right conditions for children to safely return home. This role involves working with children aged 0–18 who are subject to a Section 31 Care Order, developing clear exit plans, and contributing to positive court proceedings to discharge these orders. You will work collaboratively with a wide network of partners, including Family Group Conferencing, Supporting Solutions, Connected Care, and Early Help services.

Our practice is shaped by relationship-based, trauma-informed approaches and the Signs of Safety framework. You will have meaningful contact with children, helping them understand their experiences, whilst ensuring their views are central to your assessments. Durham Children’s Services was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2025, and we pride ourselves on our leadership, strong practice culture, and the supportive environment provided for our social workers.

Candidate Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, young people, and families
• Conduct comprehensive, clear, and reflective assessments
• Develop and implement effective exit strategies for children in care
• Contribute to court reports and positive discharge applications
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to achieve family reunification
• Ensure the child's voice remains central in all aspects of decision-making
• Support the overall objectives of the Connecting Families team
• Keep accurate case records and adhere to statutory and organisational procedures

Candidate Requirements

• Social work qualification (degree or equivalent)
• Completion of your ASYE is essential
• Experience working with children in care and their families
• Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and frameworks such as Signs of Safety
• Full driving license and access to transport preferred but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive pay rate (please enquire during application)
• Contract length: 3 months with potential for extension
• Flexible and hybrid working options, with a minimum of two days in the Seaham Spectrum Office
• Personalised induction, regular supervision, and mentoring
• Access to training and professional development opportunities
• Supportive team environment in an organisation rated Outstanding by Ofsted

How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact Team Manager Sarah Hugh for an informal discussion about the role. Please email Sarah at Sarah.Hugh3@durham.gov.uk or call 03000267283. To be considered, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter highlighting your experience relevant to the Mou Children's Senior Social Worker position.

Join us and help transform lives as a Mou Children's Senior Social Worker in Durham!