3- months contract with a local authority

Job Purpose

To provide specialist social work expertise within court proceedings, ensuring high‑quality assessments, care planning and written evidence that protect and promote the welfare of children.
To lead on complex safeguarding cases that require legal intervention, delivering robust and timely court documentation in line with statutory frameworks and judicial expectations.
To champion best practice in court work across the service by modelling high standards, supporting colleagues, and contributing to continuous improvement in children’s social care.
To ensure that all work is child‑centred, strengths‑based, legally compliant and aligned with the organisation’s vision for safe, stable and supported outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare high‑quality evidence for court, including statements, chronologies, care plans and viability assessments.
Present clear, analytical and evidence‑based assessments in Family Court, ensuring recommendations reflect children’s needs and safeguarding risks.
Attend court hearings, giving confident and professional oral evidence when required.
Work closely with legal services to ensure timely submission of documents and coordinated case progression.
Monitor court timetables to ensure compliance with Public Law Outline (PLO) and statutory timescales.

Lead and manage complex child protection cases, including those at high risk of significant harm.
Undertake direct work with children and families to understand lived experiences, wishes and feelings.
Develop coherent, outcome‑focused plans that promote safety, permanence and stability.
Ensure all work adheres to legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding procedures and national frameworks.

Model high‑quality social work practice and support colleagues through advice, coaching and reflective discussion.
Contribute to service improvement through auditing, feedback, reflective meetings and practice development initiatives.
Ensure all case records, assessments and plans are accurate, up to date and compliant with data and quality standards.
Promote consistent use of evidence‑based approaches across the team.

Work effectively with key partners including health, education, police, CAFCASS, legal professionals and safeguarding boards.
Participate in multi‑agency meetings, strategy discussions and professional networks to support holistic decision‑making.
Develop strong relationships that enable effective safeguarding and coordinated intervention.

Ensure children’s views are captured meaningfully and reflected within assessments, plans and court evidence.
Build constructive relationships with parents, carers and extended family members.
Promote family‑led planning, family group conferences and strengths‑based approaches to intervention.

Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, case law, guidance and best practice related to court‑based social work.
Participate in supervision, reflective sessions, training and continuing professional development (CPD).
Support service priorities and contribute to the learning and development of the wider team.

Experience Required

Significant post‑qualification experience in statutory children’s social care.
Proven experience managing complex safeguarding cases and court proceedings.
Experience preparing and presenting high‑quality written and oral evidence in Family Court.
Strong experience working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners.

Excellent understanding of the Children Act, PLO, Family Court processes, and relevant statutory guidance.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret information and make sound, defensible decisions.
High‑level written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive court evidence.
Confident oral advocate when giving evidence and responding to legal challenge.
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing deadlines, and maintain resilience.
Skilled in relationship‑based practice, direct work with children and strengths‑based family assessment.
Commitment to anti‑discriminatory practice, equality, diversity and cultural competence.

Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualifying route.
Registration with Social Work England.
Evidence of ongoing CPD related to court practice or child protection (desirable).

Enhanced children’s DBS required.
Occasional work outside standard hours may be necessary to meet court or safeguarding requirements.
Postholder may be required to travel to courts, family centres, placements or community settings.
We work on Bi weekly payment schedule
The role closes on 27/04/2026, apply ASAP.