Job Title: Social Worker – Child Protection Team
Location: Bracknell Forest Council
Team: Children’s Services – Child Protection
Contract Type: Locum / Agency
Rate: Up to £38 per hour
Work Model: Hybrid – typically 2–3 days per week in the office
Introduction
Bracknell Forest Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to join its Child Protection Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a local authority recognised for its child-centred approach, strong leadership, and commitment to supporting social workers to deliver high-quality, evidence-based practice.
The Child Protection Team works with families to ensure children are safe, supported, and able to thrive. With a competitive hourly rate of up to £38, this role offers a chance to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team where professional development and wellbeing are key priorities.
About the Role
As a Child Protection Social Worker, you’ll manage a varied caseload of Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Public Law Outline (PLO) cases. You’ll work with families to assess risk, identify strengths, and implement plans that ensure safety and stability for children.
You’ll collaborate with partner agencies and use a relationship-based approach to deliver proportionate, effective interventions. The role is ideal for a practitioner who is confident in safeguarding work, emotionally resilient, and passionate about improving outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory requirements.
- Manage cases across Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Proceedings.
- Lead Section 47 enquiries, attend Child Protection Conferences, and contribute to Core Group meetings.
- Develop and implement Child Protection and Child in Need Plans to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.
- Prepare detailed, analytical reports for courts and multi-agency meetings.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and families, ensuring their voices are central to all planning.
- Work collaboratively with health, education, police, and other partners to deliver coordinated safeguarding responses.
- Participate in regular supervision and contribute to reflective team discussions.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Minimum 2 years’ post-qualified experience in Children’s Safeguarding or Child Protection
- Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and related legislation
- Excellent assessment, planning, and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high professional standards
Desirable:
- Experience of court work and familiarity with the PLO process
- Knowledge of Bracknell Forest’s local practice framework and electronic case management systems
Why Work With Bracknell Forest?
- Competitive pay: Up to £38 per hour
- Hybrid working: 2–3 days per week in the office
- Manageable caseloads and strong supervision
- Supportive leadership and reflective practice culture
- Collaborative multi-agency partnerships
- Commitment to staff wellbeing and continuous professional development