Social worker - Children's

Social Worker – Looked After Children - Drivers Required
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Salary:£38 per hour (Umbrella) £29.34 PAYE
Contract type: 3-Month Contract (Potential to Extend)
Working Style: 2/3 days on site as a minimum - depends on the needs of the team

We are currently recruiting on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council for an experienced Social Worker to join their Looked After Children (LAC) Team on a locum basis.
This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive local authority committed to improving outcomes for children in care and care leavers.

About the Role

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of Looked After Children, ensuring high-quality care planning, statutory visits, and permanency planning. The role requires confident court work experience and strong assessment skills.
Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of Looked After Children
• Completing statutory visits and reviews
• Developing and progressing care and permanence plans
• Preparing reports for court and attending proceedings when required
• Working closely with carers, families, IROs, and partner agencies
• Supporting placement stability and positive outcomes

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, Social Work Degree)
• Registered with Social Work England
• Experience within a Looked After Children / LAC team - Minimum 2 years within a local Authority
• Strong court and care planning experience
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

What’s on Offer

• Competitive rate of £38 per hour (Umbrella)
• Initial 3-month contract with strong potential for extension
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives

If you are looking for your next locum role and are interested in the vacancy above, please get in touch today! You can also send me through your most recent CV to Nicola.mansfield@servicecare.org.uk or call me on 01772 208964.

We offer a referral bonus of £350 for every successful candidate that gets referred over to us so if you know someone who would be perfect for this role, pass them my details and ask them to get in touch!