Social Worker - Children in Care

Gloucestershire County Council

Social Worker – Children in Care

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


About the Role

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Children in Care Team on a locum basis. This role focuses on supporting children and young people who are looked after, ensuring they experience stability, safety, and positive long-term outcomes.

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of children in care, undertaking statutory visits, completing assessments and care planning, and working closely with carers, families, and partner agencies to promote permanence and wellbeing.


Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of children and young people in care.
  • Undertake statutory visits, reviews, and care planning in line with legislation.
  • Ensure children’s voices and lived experiences are central to all decision-making.
  • Develop and review care plans, pathway plans, and permanence plans.
  • Work collaboratively with foster carers, residential providers, education, and health partners.
  • Prepare clear, analytical reports for reviews, panels, and court proceedings where required.
  • Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with statutory requirements.

Practice Model Used by Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire County Council operates the Signs of Safety practice model. This strengths-based, relationship-focused framework supports collaborative working with families and carers, clear analysis of risk and safety, and transparent, child-centred decision-making.


Why Gloucestershire Is a Great Place to Work and Live

Gloucestershire offers an excellent quality of life alongside rewarding professional opportunities. The county is known for:

  • Stunning countryside including the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, and Severn Valley
  • A mix of vibrant towns such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, alongside rural communities
  • Good transport links to Bristol, Birmingham, and the South West
  • Strong community values and family-friendly living
  • A supportive local authority committed to high-quality social work practice and workforce development

Please feel free to contact me on 
07561805654
01635226350
dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com