Social Worker - Duty and Assessment

Social Worker – Duty and Assessment Team | Wigan Council

Position: Social Worker
Team: Duty and Assessment
Contract: Locum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £38 per hour
Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester
Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com

Sheldon Phillips are working with Wigan Council to recruit a Social Worker for their Duty and Assessment Team. This is a frontline role in a well-organised and supportive authority that takes pride in its strengths-based and child-centred approach.

The Duty and Assessment Team is the first point of contact for new referrals, and the successful candidate will need to be confident in undertaking statutory assessments, safeguarding enquiries, and short-term intervention work. This is a great opportunity for a skilled practitioner to join a fast-paced service with good structures and multi-agency links.

What You Can Expect:

  • A busy, well-structured front door service

  • Supportive team culture with accessible managers

  • Opportunities to develop strong assessment and risk analysis skills

  • Multi-agency collaboration and clear thresholds

  • Hybrid working model (depending on team needs)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage new referrals and complete Child and Family Assessments

  • Undertake Section 17 and Section 47 enquiries

  • Liaise with police, schools, health, and internal services to gather relevant information

  • Develop short-term plans and signpost to early help or longer-term teams

  • Prepare for Child Protection Conferences, strategy meetings, and legal planning as required

  • Maintain up-to-date and accurate records

  • Ensure timely responses and clear, evidence-based decision-making

  • Participate in supervision and case discussions to support safe and effective practice

Requirements:

  • Social Work England (SWE) Registration

  • Recognised Social Work qualification

  • Post-qualified experience in a Duty & Assessment or similar frontline team

  • Sound understanding of safeguarding thresholds, risk management and statutory frameworks

  • Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-moving team

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com