Social Worker - Children and Families Team

Gloucestershire County Council

Social Worker – Children and Families Team

Pay Rate: £42 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Children and Families Team.
You will be responsible for delivering high-quality assessments, safeguarding support, and long-term planning for children and families across the county.

Caseload:
You will hold around 18 cases, which will be a mixed caseload of CIN, CP, and CIC, including some court work.

This is a stable, well-structured service that places strong emphasis on reflective practice, multi-agency collaboration, and child-centred decision making.

Key Responsibilities

  • Complete assessments under the Children Act (Section 17 & Section 47).
  • Manage a balanced caseload of CIN, CP & CIC, including court proceedings where required.
  • Undertake direct work with children and young people to ensure their voice guides planning.
  • Develop high-quality care, safety and permanence plans.
  • Work closely with schools, police, health, and voluntary sector partners.
  • Prepare detailed, evidence-based reports for court and multi-agency meetings.
  • Maintain accurate case recordings in line with statutory expectations.

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire uses a Strengths-Based Practice Model, supported by the “Three Conversations” approach.
This framework promotes:

  • Genuine, person-centred conversations with children and families
  • Reducing unnecessary process and focusing on real outcomes
  • Building on family strengths and natural support networks
  • Clear, collaborative risk assessment and safety planning
  • Strong reflective supervision and professional autonomy
  • The model is well embedded and supports a consistent, relationship-based approach to social work.

Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Gloucestershire is one of the most desirable areas in the South West, offering a blend of countryside beauty and vibrant town life:

  • Home to the iconic Cotswolds, famous for rolling hills, scenic villages, and outdoor living.
  • Fantastic cultural hubs including Cheltenham (festivals, restaurants, shops) and Gloucester (cathedral, quays, museums).
  • Excellent transport links to Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, Swindon, and London.
  • Affordable housing compared to other South West hotspots.
  • Good schools, green spaces, and strong community atmosphere.
  • A supportive local authority committed to development, wellbeing, and improving outcomes for children.
  • It’s a fantastic location for both career progression and quality of life.

Interested?

To apply, please send your CV to:
📧 dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com

For more information, call:
📞 07561 805654