Senior Social Worker - Children in Care

Senior Social Worker - Children in Care
Location: Durham County Council - Seaham, SR7 7TT
Contract: Full Time | 9 Month Maternity Cover
Pay Rate: £24.95 per hour PAYE (£32.73 per hour Umbrella)

Senior Social Worker - Children in Care
Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for two experienced Senior Social Workers to join Durham County Council’s Children in Care Service on a 9-month maternity cover contract.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an Ofsted rated Outstanding Local Authority and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

The team is based in Seaham, Durham, offering a flexible hybrid working approach with a requirement to attend the office 1–2 days per week for duty, meetings and team collaboration.

The Role
As a Senior Social Worker within the Children in Care Service, you will:

• Hold responsibility for a caseload of children and young people aged 0–18 who are looked after by the Local Authority.
• Support children’s care plans, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are central to all decision-making.
• Undertake statutory visits, assessments and reviews in line with legislation and best practice.
• Support children and young people through key transitions, including preparation for adulthood.
• Explore and contribute to rehabilitation plans where appropriate, supporting positive outcomes for children and families.
• Work collaboratively with foster carers, families, education, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Provide high-quality assessments, analysis and reports to support effective planning.
• Ensure all statutory duties relating to Children in Care are met to a high professional standard.

Essential Requirements
Applicants must have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Experience working within statutory Children’s Social Care.
• Strong experience working with Children in Care / Looked After Children.
• Sound knowledge of statutory duties, safeguarding processes and relevant legislation.
• Experience completing assessments, care planning and multi-agency working.
• Excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and work independently.

Why Apply?

• Competitive hourly rates.
• Opportunity to work with an Ofsted rated Outstanding Local Authority.
• Hybrid working opportunities.
• Supportive and experienced Children in Care team.
• Excellent location opposite the seaside with free onsite parking.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment.
• Weekly payroll and a smooth onboarding process.

Interested?
To apply or find out more about this opportunity, please contact:
Nik Froud
Recruitment Consultant
Service Care Solutions
📞 01772 208964
📧 Nik.froud@servicecare.org.uk