Social Worker - Children in Care

Children in Care and Court Team | Blackburn with Darwen
£39 per hour | Locum | Hybrid 

This one suits someone who’s confident holding long-term plans and isn’t fazed by court timelines. Strong rate, clear remit — you’ll be progressing permanence and keeping children’s plans tight, not spinning plates with endless re-referrals.

About the role

You’ll work with children and young people who are Looked After, progressing care planning, permanence and stability. Alongside core CIC duties, you’ll manage cases within the court arena where required — keeping work purposeful, evidence-led and child-centred. Expect regular multi-agency working, clear recording, and confident decision-making around risk, placement, and long-term outcomes.

Practice approach
A child-focused, relationship-based approach is key here — building meaningful relationships, capturing the lived experience, and producing strong analysis that holds up in meetings and court.

Key responsibilities

  • Hold a caseload of Looked After Children, progressing plans and improving outcomes
  • Complete statutory visits and ensure the child’s voice is reflected throughout
  • Lead and contribute to care planning, including placement stability and contingency planning
  • Prepare for and attend LAC reviews, ensuring actions are followed through
  • Manage court-related tasks where relevant, including evidence, statements and care planning documentation
  • Progress permanence options (e.g., reunification, SGO, long-term fostering, adoption where appropriate)
  • Work closely with Legal, IROs, carers, schools and health to keep plans moving
  • Maintain high-quality, timely case recording and decision rationales

Benefits 

  • Competitive rate of £39 per hour
  • Long-term, outcomes-focused work (CIC + court)
  • Hybrid working approach (aligned to service needs)

Requirements

  • Social Work England registration
  • Recent experience in a Children in Care / Looked After Children team
  • Confidence with court work and working to deadlines
  • Strong report writing, analysis, and defensible decision-making
  • Able to manage competing priorities while keeping the child at the centre

Interested?

Contact: Emily Cooper | 07745 200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com