Senior Social Worker - Pre-Birth Team

Senior Social Worker - Pre-Birth Team Location: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Pay Rate: £31.74 per hour Are you an experienced Social Worker with a passion for early intervention and safeguarding? Redcar Council is looking for a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our specialist Pre-Birth Team. This is a critical role designed to provide high-quality support and assessment during the vital prenatal period, ensuring the best possible start for both infants and their families. The Role As a Senior Social Worker, you will operate at an advanced level, managing complex cases that require a high degree of professional expertise. You will work with expectant parents to assess risk and resilience, providing robust interventions where there are concerns about the future care of the child. Key Responsibilities Specialist Assessments: Lead and oversee comprehensive pre-birth assessments to identify potential risks and support needs well before the baby arrives. Complex Casework: Manage a caseload of high-risk pregnancies, including cases involving substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental health challenges, or previous removals. Child Protection: Lead on Section 47 inquiries and initiate Care Proceedings (PLO) when necessary, ensuring all statutory timelines are met. Multi-Agency Leadership: Coordinate and chair professionals' meetings, working closely with midwifery, health visitors, and legal teams. Mentorship: Provide guidance, support, and professional oversight to less experienced team members, championing best practices within the service. Court Work: Prepare high-quality evidence and reports for family court, representing the Local Authority as an expert witness. Requirements Experience: Significant post-qualification experience within Children's Services, specifically in Safeguarding or Pre-Birth/Infant teams. Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England. Skills: Expert knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and the ability to maintain a calm, authoritative presence in high-stakes environments. Approach: A balanced approach that combines trauma-informed practice with a clear focus on the safety and wellbeing of the unborn child.