Senior Social Worker - Safeguarding

Senior Social Worker – Safeguarding Service | Birmingham Children’s Trust

Position: Senior Social Worker
Team: Safeguarding
Contract: Locum (12-month maternity cover)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £33.30 per hour + 45p per mile
Location: Lifford House, Birmingham, B30 3BN

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com

Sheldon Phillips are working in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust to recruit a Senior Social Worker for their Safeguarding Team on a 12-month secondment to cover maternity leave. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident and experienced practitioner to join a team that is well-regarded for both its culture and practice standards.

Based at Lifford House, this role offers a rare combination of flexibility, stability, and a genuinely supportive team environment. With a start date set for September 2025, this is an ideal opportunity to secure a long-term locum contract with one of the region’s most consistent and professional Trusts.

What You Can Expect:

  • A friendly and established team, led by a lovely, hands-on Team Manager

  • Lifford House location – modern open-plan office with plenty of free parking

  • Hybrid working model – maximum of 2 days per week in the office

  • Very flexible working – work-life balance is genuinely encouraged here

  • A team that values openness, stability, and professional support

  • Clear structure and manageable caseloads, especially for a locum post

Duties and Responsibilities:

In this role, you will play a key part in protecting vulnerable children and promoting their welfare. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Undertaking high-quality child and family assessments, including Section 47 investigations

  • Leading on and managing complex safeguarding cases

  • Preparing clear, evidence-based reports for Child Protection Conferences and Court

  • Participating in multi-agency meetings and building strong working relationships with key professionals

  • Working with children who are the subject of Child Protection Plans, Child in Need Plans, and pre-proceedings/PLO

  • Ensuring plans are child-focused, outcome-driven, and regularly reviewed

  • Mentoring and supporting less experienced colleagues when required

  • Maintaining clear, timely and accurate case recordings in line with Trust procedures

  • Participating fully in supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development

You will need to demonstrate confidence in decision-making, a strong grasp of risk management, and the ability to keep children at the centre of your practice at all times.

Requirements:

  • Social Work England (SWE) Registration

  • A recognised Social Work qualification

  • Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience in frontline children’s services

  • Strong safeguarding and assessment skills

  • Experience working in multi-agency settings and court proceedings

  • A proactive, flexible approach to working

If you're looking for a long-term role in a team that genuinely values its staff – and treats locums as part of the core service – this is a brilliant opportunity.

Start Date: September 2025
Office Base: Lifford House, Birmingham
Working Pattern: Hybrid – up to 2 days in the office

For more information or to apply, contact:

Emily Cooper – 07745200325
ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com