Children's Social Worker - Bedford

Looked After Children (Child In Care) Social Worker

Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.

Location: Bedford Borough (UK-wide caseload)
Rate: Social Worker £37.86 / Senior Social Worker £39.31 (rising after 12 weeks AWR)
Contract: Locum - Full Time

About the Role
Bedford Borough Council is seeking 2-3 experienced Social Workers to join their Looked After Children service - also known as LAC / CLA (Children Looked After) / CIC (Children in Care) / Corporate Parenting teams. This is a strong-performing service that continues to improve following its last Ofsted inspection and is well-supported by management and robust IT systems.

You will be working with children subject to full care orders and separated migrant children, managing a varied caseload while contributing to a service focused on stability and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload within the LAC / CLA / CIC service (target ~16 cases)
Work with children in care and separated migrant children
Complete statutory visits, care planning, and reviews
Collaborate with multi-agency professionals to safeguard and promote welfare
Maintain accurate case recording using LiquidlogicWhat's on Offer

Competitive rates:
£37.86 per hour (rising to £39 after 12 weeks AWR)
£39.31 per hour (rising to £40.50 after 12 weeks for strong candidates)
Supportive management structure with Advanced Practitioner supervision
Strong IT setup including Liquidlogic, Magic Notes & Copilot
Stable contract in a well-regarded LAC / Children in Care serviceWorking Arrangements

Hybrid working: 2 days in the office most weeks
1 weekly duty day (office-based)
Fortnightly Thursday team meeting (office-based)
Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 08:45-17:20
Fri: 08:45-16:20
No condensed hours or part-time options availableCandidate Requirements

SWE Registered Social Worker with relevant LAC / CLA / CIC / Children in Care / Corporate Parenting experience
Ability to start within 4 weeks
Strong safeguarding and case management skills
Experience with Liquidlogic preferred
For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment - (url removed) / (phone number removed)

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed