Social Worker - Safeguarding and Care Planning

Middlesbrough Children's Services

Be the Difference in a Child's Story

Some families need support for a moment. Others need someone alongside them for longer, helping them navigate challenge, change and uncertainty.

At Middlesbrough Children's Services, we are looking for passionate, skilled and committed Social Workers to join our Safeguarding and Care Planning Service. This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and families, provide long-term support where it is needed, and make a lasting difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.

We know that outstanding outcomes for children are achieved by social workers who are professionally curious, analytical and relationship-focused. Social workers who can build trust, understand lived experiences, assess risk confidently and create plans that lead to meaningful and sustained change.

As part of our ongoing improvement journey, we have invested significantly in creating the right environment for social workers to flourish. With a strengthened and experienced Senior Leadership Team, supportive managers, manageable oversight, and a strong learning culture, this is an exciting time to join Middlesbrough.

Why Choose Middlesbrough?

At Middlesbrough, we are ambitious for our children, our families and our workforce. We recognise that great social work happens when practitioners feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Daily support and guidance from experienced and accessible managers.
• A newly appointed and ambitious Senior Leadership Team committed to frontline practice.
• Monthly reflective supervision focused on professional growth and development.
• Flexible and blended working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• A welcoming, inclusive and supportive team culture.
• High-quality learning and development opportunities.
• Clear pathways for progression and career advancement.
• Strong multi-agency partnerships that support effective practice.
• A service that values innovation, relationship-based practice and professional curiosity.

The Role

As a Social Worker within our Safeguarding and Care Planning Service, you will work alongside children and families during some of the most significant periods of their lives.

You will build meaningful relationships with children, understand their lived experiences, and work collaboratively with families to create lasting change while maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding and risk management.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers excellent opportunities to further develop your assessment, child protection and court skills. No two days are the same, and you will have the opportunity to be involved in a diverse range of safeguarding work, including:

• Completing Child and Family Assessments.
• Undertaking parenting and viability assessments.
• Working closely with fostering and permanence services.
• Leading Section 47 enquiries.
• Preparing and presenting high-quality reports for Child Protection Conferences and other multi-agency forums.
• Undertaking direct work with children to ensure their voices, wishes and feelings influence planning and decision-making.
• Working collaboratively with partner agencies to develop timely and effective safety plans.
• Supporting children and families through Child Protection and Child in Need processes.
• Contributing to Public Law Outline processes and undertaking court-related work where required.
• Developing robust care plans that create safety, stability and permanence for children.
• Making clear and evidence-based recommendations regarding step-down, transfer or closure when risks have reduced.

You will be joining a service that is committed to ensuring children receive the right support, at the right time, from the right professionals.

Support That Helps You Thrive

We understand that social work is complex, demanding and emotionally challenging. That is why creating a supportive environment for practitioners is one of our highest priorities.

Our Social Workers receive regular monthly reflective supervision, providing protected time for professional reflection, case discussion, professional development and critical thinking. Our supervision model is designed to build confidence, strengthen analytical practice and support high-quality decision-making.

Alongside formal supervision, you will have daily access to experienced Team Managers who provide advice, guidance and oversight whenever it is needed.

What truly sets Middlesbrough apart is our culture.

Across our Safeguarding and Care Planning Service, there is a genuine sense of belonging and teamwork. Colleagues support one another, celebrate successes together and share responsibility for overcoming challenges. We are proud of the positive relationships that exist across our teams and the strong "family feel" that practitioners consistently tell us makes Middlesbrough a special place to work.

Whether you are looking to consolidate your experience or take the next step in your social work career, you will find a service that is committed to helping you grow, develop and succeed.

What We Offer

In addition to a rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference to children's lives, we offer:

• 15% Market Supplement (£5,147 to £6,406 dependent on experience).
• 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 days with service.
• The option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave.
• Flexible and blended working arrangements.
• Free town centre parking.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Relocation support of up to £8,000 for eligible candidates.
• Employee benefits package, including an electric vehicle scheme.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support.
• Excellent training, learning and development opportunities.
• Clear progression routes within Middlesbrough Children's Services.

Join Us on Our Journey

Middlesbrough Children's Services is building a culture where children come first, social workers are valued, and excellent practice can thrive.

If you are an ambitious and passionate Social Worker who wants to make a lasting difference to children and families while being supported to develop your own career, we would love to hear from you.

Be part of our improvement journey. Build relationships. Create change. Help children thrive.