Social Worker - Safeguarding

Position: Social Worker
Team: Complex Safeguarding
Contract: Locum (Maternity Cover)
Hours: 36 hours per week
Pay Rate: £39 per hour
Location: Tameside Council, Ashton-under-Lyne
Start Date: ASAP
Working Pattern: Hybrid – office and community-based work with flexibility

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

Sheldon Phillips are working with Tameside Council to recruit a Social Worker within their Complex Safeguarding Team. This is a maternity cover position offering an exciting opportunity to work within a fast-paced, trauma-informed service supporting young people who are at risk of or experiencing exploitation.

The Complex Safeguarding Team in Tameside works with adolescents at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), human trafficking, and missing from home episodes. The team’s approach is relationship-based, with a strong focus on trust, disruption of perpetrators, and coordinated partnership working.

What You Can Expect:

  • A supportive, multi-agency environment including Police, Health, and Education partners

  • Commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice

  • Flexible working arrangements and manageable caseloads

  • Strong leadership focused on reflective supervision and practitioner wellbeing

  • Opportunities for professional development and multi-agency learning

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Undertake complex assessments for young people at risk of exploitation or trafficking

  • Provide crisis intervention and immediate safeguarding responses where required

  • Develop and implement robust safety and risk management plans

  • Work collaboratively with GMP, health professionals, schools, and community agencies

  • Deliver bespoke interventions to reduce harm and build resilience

  • Lead or contribute to multi-agency meetings and exploitation strategy discussions

  • Maintain high-quality case recording and documentation in line with statutory standards

  • Participate in prevention and awareness initiatives with families and professionals

Requirements:

  • Social Work England registration

  • Qualified Social Worker (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)

  • Post-qualified experience in exploitation, safeguarding, or adolescent services

  • Knowledge of contextual safeguarding and trauma-informed practice

  • Strong partnership working and advocacy skills

  • Ability to work flexibly across agencies and manage complex risk effectively

This is an excellent opportunity to join a passionate, forward-thinking team committed to protecting vulnerable young people and disrupting exploitation across Greater Manchester.

If you’re ready to make a tangible impact in complex safeguarding, apply today or contact Emily Cooper for more information.

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