Social Worker - Child Protection Team

Social Worker – Child Protection Team
London Borough of Brent

Pay Rate: £37.52 per hour
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Brent Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Child Protection Team on a locum basis. This is a frontline safeguarding role working with children and families experiencing significant risk, requiring strong assessment skills, confident decision-making, and high-quality direct work.

You’ll manage Child in Need, Child Protection, and PLO cases, ensuring timely interventions, robust planning, and a clear focus on children’s safety and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Carry out Child & Family Assessments within statutory timescales.
  • Lead on Section 47 investigations and develop safety plans.
  • Manage Child in Need, CP, and pre-proceedings work.
  • Prepare strong, analytical reports and statements for panels and court.
  • Build meaningful working relationships with children and parents, keeping the child’s voice central.
  • Maintain clear, accurate case records and evidence-based analysis.
  • Work closely with schools, police, health, and legal teams to ensure coordinated safeguarding practice.
  • Participate in reflective supervision and contribute to a supportive team culture.

Practice Model Used by Brent

Brent works within the Signs of Safety practice model, a strengths-based, collaborative framework widely used across the UK.

This approach supports:

  • clear risk identification and safety planning
  • working transparently with families
  • building on existing strengths and support networks
  • child-centred, relationship-focused practice
  • stronger multi-agency cooperation

The Signs of Safety model helps social workers deliver consistent, structured safeguarding practice while maintaining good engagement with families.

Why Brent Is a Great Place to Live

Brent is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs, offering something for everyone. You’ll find:

  • Excellent transport connections (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Overground, and direct rail links).
  • A rich mix of cultures, food, and community life, especially around Wembley, Willesden, and Harlesden.
  • Access to major London attractions including Wembley Stadium, Boxpark, and local markets.
  • Plenty of parks and green areas such as Gladstone Park and Fryent Country Park.
  • Affordable options relative to many other London boroughs.

It’s a lively, energetic area with a strong sense of identity and community.

Why Brent Is a Great Place to Work

Brent’s Children’s Services are known for:

  • Strong leadership focused on continuous improvement.
  • A commitment to manageable caseloads where possible.
  • A supportive environment that values reflective practice.
  • Investment in staff development and training.
  • A diverse workforce with excellent multi-agency partnerships.

You’ll join a team that values good practice, encourages professional growth, and supports social workers through complex child protection work.