About the Role
Walsall Council is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join its Duty & Short Term Help Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Children's Social Worker who is passionate about safeguarding and achieving positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Working within a fast-paced frontline service, you will undertake assessments, lead child protection investigations, manage complex caseloads, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to ensure children are safe and supported. This role is ideal for a confident practitioner who thrives in a duty environment, can make sound professional decisions under pressure, and is committed to delivering high-quality social work practice.
Location: Civic Centre, Walsall, WS1 1TP
Rate: £33.30 per hour (Umbrella rate)
Contract: Temporary - 6-12 months
Hours: 37 hours per week
Office Requirements: Hybrid Working (Minimum 3 Office Days Per Week)
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake child protection investigations, safeguarding enquiries, and risk assessments.
- Assess the needs of children, young people, and families experiencing complex difficulties.
- Develop, implement, and review Child Protection, Child in Need, and support plans.
- Manage a varied caseload whilst ensuring statutory timescales are met.
- Prepare high-quality assessments, reports, and evidence for Court proceedings, Child Protection Conferences, Reviews, and other statutory forums.
- Attend strategy meetings, safeguarding discussions, case conferences, and reviews, acting as lead professional where required.
- Work directly with children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and influence decision-making.
- Deliver interventions and support programmes to improve outcomes and reduce risk.
- Build effective relationships with families, carers, schools, health professionals, police, and partner agencies.
- Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in line with council policies and statutory requirements.
- Participate in supervision, professional development, and continuous learning activities.
- Practice in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards and relevant childcare legislation.
About You
- Social Work qualification (BA, MA, CQSW, CSS or DipSW).
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Completion of ASYE where applicable.
- Experience working directly with children, young people, and families.
- Experience undertaking assessments, safeguarding investigations, and delivering interventions.
- Strong understanding of:
- Child Protection procedures
- Children's legislation and statutory guidance
- Child development theory
- Systems theory and restorative practice
- Current social work research and best practice
- Experience preparing reports for court and statutory meetings.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.
We are looking for professionals who embody Walsall Council's core behaviours:
- Professionalism - embracing innovation, continuous improvement, and positive change.
- Accountability - taking ownership of decisions, actions, and professional development.
- Transparency - working collaboratively and sharing knowledge to achieve the best outcomes.
- Ethical Practice - treating everyone with dignity, respect, fairness, and integrity.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
If you are an experienced Children's Social Worker looking for your next challenge within a Duty & Short Term Help Team, we'd love to hear from you.
