Liverpool City Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its dedicated Children in Care Team on an agency basis. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a service committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in care, ensuring they receive the stability, support and opportunities they need to thrive.
As part of a supportive and child-centred team, you will build meaningful relationships with children and young people, champion their voices and aspirations, and work collaboratively with families, carers and partner agencies to achieve permanency and positive futures.
Role Overview
As a Social Worker within the Children in Care Team, you will manage a caseload of looked after children and young people, ensuring that care planning is purposeful, child-focused and promotes long-term stability. You will undertake statutory responsibilities, coordinate multi-agency support and advocate for children to ensure their needs are understood and met throughout their journey in care.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a caseload of children and young people subject to Care Orders, Interim Care Orders and those accommodated under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.
Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children and young people, ensuring their wishes and feelings are central to all decision-making.
Complete statutory visits and reviews in line with legislative requirements and organisational timescales.
Develop, implement and review care plans that promote safety, stability, permanence and positive outcomes.
Work closely with foster carers, residential providers, families and partner agencies to support children's emotional, educational and developmental needs.
Prepare high-quality reports for Looked After Children Reviews, court proceedings and other statutory meetings.
Contribute to permanence planning, including rehabilitation, Special Guardianship, long-term fostering and adoption where appropriate.
Support young people through transitions, including pathway planning and preparation for adulthood.
Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, ensuring coordinated and effective interventions.
Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in accordance with statutory guidance and local procedures.
Benefits
Competitive pay rate of £40 per hour.
Opportunity to work within a well-established Children in Care Service.
Meaningful and rewarding work supporting looked after children and young people.
Supportive management structure with regular supervision.
Collaborative multi-agency environment focused on achieving permanence and stability.
Exposure to varied and complex casework, supporting ongoing professional development.
Requirements
Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
Current registration with Social Work England.
Previous experience working within a Children in Care, Looked After Children or Permanence Team.
Strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and care planning regulations.
Experience of undertaking statutory visits and managing looked after children caseloads.
Ability to complete high-quality assessments, care planning and court reports.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively with children, carers, families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
Interested?
If you're an experienced Social Worker passionate about improving the lives of children in care and supporting them to achieve their full potential, we'd love to hear from you.
For more information or to apply, please contact:
Emily Cooper at Sheldon Phillips - (phone number removed) OR
Salary description
£40.00 - £40.00 per hour