Social Worker – Assessment Team
Bolton Council | Locum | £37–£39 per hour
Full-Time | Hybrid working
Bolton Council is looking for a skilled Social Worker to join their fast-paced Assessment Team on a full-time locum basis. Based at the office and covering the borough, this role offers free on-site parking and flexible working, balanced with the demands of frontline assessment and safeguarding.
About the Role:
You'll work at the forefront of statutory intervention — managing duty, completing S47 enquiries, and progressing cases as needed. This is a role for someone confident in short-term intervention and making quick, well-evidenced decisions to protect children.
Key responsibilities:
- Undertake home visits and complete initial child and family assessments
- Carry out S47 enquiries and coordinate strategy discussions/statutory meetings
- Provide short-term intervention and refer cases to the appropriate teams
- Cover the duty rota, managing incoming referrals and prioritising risk
- Initiate emergency court action (EPOs, Care Proceedings) when required
- Maintain up-to-date case records and meet statutory deadlines
Practice Model:
Bolton Council applies a relationship-based approach, underpinned by clear statutory guidance and a strong safeguarding ethos. Social workers are supported through structured supervision, close multi-agency working, and clear escalation pathways when concerns arise.
Requirements:
- Social Work England registration
- Previous experience in a referral and assessment team
- Strong knowledge of S17 and S47 processes
- Skilled in child protection, court work, and short-term planning
- Ability to travel across Bolton and work from the office at short notice
Benefits:
- £37–£39 per hour
- Free on-site parking
- Flexible hybrid working
- 37 hours per week (full-time)
- DBS and references required before start
Interested?
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips:
Phone: 01635 226350 / 07561 805 654
Email: mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com
We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.