Tameside Council are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join their Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. This is a strong opportunity for someone who is confident holding long-term statutory work, managing risk effectively, and building purposeful relationships with children and families to deliver safe and meaningful outcomes.
This role would suit a practitioner who is relationship-led, organised, and confident working within a supportive safeguarding service.
Role Overview
As a Social Worker in Tameside’s Safeguarding Team, you will hold a caseload of children and families subject to Child Protection, Child in Need, and other long-term statutory plans. You will be responsible for completing visits, progressing assessments and plans, and ensuring children are safeguarded through clear, consistent, and restorative intervention.
This is a frontline safeguarding role within a local authority that places strong emphasis on restorative direct practice with families. You will work closely with children, carers, and partner agencies to assess need, manage risk, and progress plans that are child-focused and outcome-driven. The team offers a supportive working environment, with senior management present in the office, access to the same training opportunities offered to permanent staff, and flexibility around condensed hours where needed. The role is based on a hybrid working pattern of 2-3 days per week in the office.
Key responsibilities
Hold a caseload within a busy Safeguarding Team
Manage Child in Need and Child Protection plans effectively
Undertake statutory visits and direct work with children and families
Use restorative practice to build and maintain effective working relationships
Assess risk and progress plans in line with statutory responsibilities
Work closely with partner agencies to support safe and timely decision-making
Maintain accurate, analytical, and up-to-date case recording
Contribute to positive outcomes through consistent long-term intervention
Benefits
Strong rate of £39 per hour
Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office
Training opportunities available to locum staff in line with permanent employees
Supportive environment with senior management regularly present in the office
Potential flexibility around condensed hours
Parking available next to the office at £2.50 per day
Good local amenities nearby, including Ashton Food Market
Opportunity for an informal discussion with the hiring manager before application
Requirements
Social Work England registration
Qualified Social Worker status
Previous experience in Safeguarding, Child Protection, or long-term children’s services teams
Strong understanding of statutory intervention, risk management, and care planning
Confidence in direct work and relationship-based practice with families
Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively in a busy service
Enhanced DBS and full compliance for locum work
Interested?
For more information or to apply, contact:
Emily Cooper - | (phone number removed)
Please reach out for an informal discussion with the hiring manager if you have any further questions.
Know someone suitable? We offer a referral bonus for successful recommendations
Salary description
£39.00 - £39.00 per day