Social Worker - Child Protection

Social Worker – Child Protection Team
(Bristol City Council)

Pay Rate: £38.00 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Locum


About the Role

Bristol City Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Child Protection Team. You’ll be supporting children and families where safeguarding concerns have been identified, carrying out assessments, managing risk, and helping create safe and supportive plans that lead to long-term stability.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Child & Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries.
  • Develop and deliver Child Protection Plans centred on safety and strengths.
  • Engage in direct work with children and young people to understand their lived experience.
  • Prepare clear, evidence-based reports for conferences, reviews and legal processes.
  • Collaborate closely with multi-agency partners to ensure coordinated safeguarding work.
  • Maintain high-quality, reflective case recording and uphold child-centred practice.

Practice Model Used by Bristol

Bristol uses the Signs of Safety practice model — a strengths-based, solution-focused approach that builds on what’s working well for families while addressing the risks. It encourages shared decision-making, transparency, and strong relationships with children, families, and partner agencies.


Why Bristol Is a Great Place to Live and Work

  • It’s a vibrant and diverse city, known for its creative culture, festivals, independent food spots and strong community feel.
  • The area offers a great balance of urban living with plenty of green spaces, riverside walks, harbourside views and nearby countryside.
  • Excellent transport links, good schools, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere make it ideal for both professionals and families.
  • Bristol’s children’s services have a strong focus on supportive leadership, reflective supervision, and creating a healthy workload environment where social workers feel valued.