163 Child Services jobs in the United Kingdom

Embark on the next step of your Social Work career with a transformative role in Child Protection . As part of a network of Lead Practitioners , you’ll be guided by strategic leadership and united by a shared commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.

What you’ll do:

• Take charge of a diverse caseload of complex child protection cases, ensuring families receive the right interventions and support.
• Offer expert guidance and mentorship to colleagues, enhancing their professional growth and boosting team effectiveness.
• Confidently chair meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for the needs of children and families.
• Collaborate with external partners, including various agencies and stakeholders, to provide comprehensive support for families.
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Significant experience working with children and families, particularly in child protection and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to manage complex child protection cases and deliver effective interventions.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners whilst role modelling best practice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and in-depth knowledge of the legal frameworks and professional issues underpinning child protection and social work practice.
• Highly skilled in building trust and engaging with families. Able to listen, negotiate, and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Why join us?

• Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working: Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back-office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.  
• Competitive benefits package: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Ready to take the next step?

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details. 

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

• Undertaking comprehensive assessments of children and families in need, including Section 47 investigations.
• Developing and implementing child protection plans in collaboration with families, children, and other agencies.
• Providing direct casework, support, and advocacy for children at risk.
• Engaging with families, understanding their circumstances, and facilitating positive change.
• Working closely with police, health services, schools, and other professionals to ensure coordinated safeguarding efforts.
• Preparing reports for court proceedings and attending relevant meetings.
• Managing a complex caseload with sensitivity and professional rigour.
• Ensuring timely and accurate recording of all interventions and decisions.
• Participating in supervision and contributing to the continuous improvement of child protection services.
• Building positive relationships with children and families, fostering trust and engagement.

• BSc/MA in Social Work or equivalent.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Proven experience in statutory child protection social work.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection legislation and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments and manage complex cases.
• Excellent report writing skills for court and case conferences.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in managing a hybrid workload effectively.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle is often required for fieldwork.

• Conduct comprehensive child protection assessments.
• Develop, implement, and review care plans to ensure child safety.
• Investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect.
• Provide evidence-based interventions and support to children and families.
• Liaise effectively with partner agencies and external professionals.
• Prepare high-quality reports for case conferences and court proceedings.
• Manage a complex caseload, prioritising needs and risks.
• Attend professional supervision and training sessions to maintain and develop skills.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children and young people.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of safeguarding services.

• DipSW or equivalent Social Work qualification.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Proven experience working within child protection services.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong assessment, planning, and intervention skills.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle are often required for on-site visits.

• Develop, implement, and review robust child protection policies and procedures.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on child protection matters to staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Deliver high-quality training and awareness sessions on child protection to all levels of staff.
• Undertake investigations into child protection concerns, ensuring a timely, sensitive, and thorough approach.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of child protection incidents and actions taken.
• Liaise effectively with external agencies, including local authorities, police, and safeguarding boards, to ensure coordinated responses.
• Support and supervise designated safeguarding leads within different departments or projects.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop safeguarding action plans.
• Stay up-to-date with national legislation, guidance, and best practices in child protection and safeguarding.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives related to safeguarding.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding throughout the organisation, ensuring it is everyone's responsibility.
• Participate in case conferences and multi-agency meetings as required.

• A degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, or a related field. A relevant postgraduate qualification in safeguarding or child protection is highly desirable.
• Significant experience (minimum 5 years) working directly in child protection, safeguarding, or social care roles.
• In-depth knowledge of UK child protection legislation, policies, and procedures (e.g., Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
• Experience in conducting investigations and undertaking case management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• A commitment to promoting the welfare and safety of children.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel may be required.

• Conduct comprehensive child protection assessments.
• Develop, implement, and review care plans for children at risk.
• Manage complex caseloads of child protection cases.
• Investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect.
• Prepare detailed reports for court and child protection conferences.
• Liaise effectively with statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Provide direct support and intervention to children and families.
• Participate in case conferences and review meetings.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of child protection services.

• BA/BSc in Social Work or equivalent recognised social work qualification.
• Registered with Social Work England (or relevant regulatory body).
• Significant experience in child protection social work.
• Thorough knowledge of child protection legislation and procedures in Scotland.
• Excellent assessment, report-writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding principles.
• Proficiency in using social care IT systems.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits.