Childrens Social Worker – Family Help Team – #OR109120

Job Description

Thurrock Council is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join its long-term Family Help Team in Grays, Essex. This is a demanding and rewarding role at the heart of children’s social care, supporting children and their families from the point of allocation through complex, multi-strand casework.

You will hold a varied caseload spanning Child Protection Plans, Children in Need Plans, and Looked After Children (CLA), alongside Targeted Early Help cases. The role involves initiating Public Law Outline (PLO) and Care Proceedings — preparing Witness Statements, Care Plans, and court reports including Section 7 and 37 Reports — as well as undertaking Section 47 enquiries and Pre-Birth Assessments under the Children Act 1989.

Key responsibilities include completing parenting capacity, sibling, kinship, viability, and Special Guardianship assessments; chairing Child Protection Conferences, Core Group Meetings, and Child in Need meetings; holding Stability Meetings for placements at risk of breakdown; and completing LAC reports for Looked After Children Conferences. Duty cover is also required, responding to new referrals and completing Child and Family Assessments.

Candidates must be qualified Social Workers registered with Social Work England and have demonstrable experience in children’s statutory social care, including court work and complex caseload management. The role is offered on a locum basis at £23.98–£32.00 per hour, starting 27 July 2026. Hybrid and flexible working is available subject to service needs.

If you are an experienced children’s social worker ready to make a real difference in Thurrock, apply today.

What’s on offer:

* Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
* Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
* A desirable location with great transport links
* A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment

Why join Semester.co.uk?

* Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills
* Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in-house payroll
* Enhanced DBS processing included
* Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support
* Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location

Ready to take the next step? Click ‘Apply’ now to express your interest in this role, or explore other exciting opportunities with Semester.co.uk.