Job Description

Qualified Social Worker – CAST (Children’s Assessment and Safeguarding Team) – Basingstoke

Location: Basingstoke
Job Type: Locum / Full-Time (flexible or condensed hours available)
Category: Social & Healthcare Qualified
Pay Rate: £29.49 per hour

We are looking to recruit a Qualified Social Worker to join the Children’s Assessment and Safeguarding Team (CAST) in Basingstoke. This is a fantastic locum opportunity within a supportive, well-structured district.

Why Join This Team?

You will benefit from:

• Strong, experienced management providing clear guidance and regular supervision

• A modern office environment

• Full support for locum workers, equivalent to permanent staff

• Free internal CPD opportunities

• Dedicated administrative support to help with day-to-day tasks

• Manageable caseloads averaging 25 families

We are looking for someone confident in managing complex cases and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete full assessments of risk, protection, and social care needs using professional skills, knowledge, and communication abilities.

• Work in partnership with other agencies and carry out joint assessments where needed.

• Arrange, provide, or commission appropriate services within legislation and departmental guidelines.

• Take action to safeguard vulnerable children and families in line with legal requirements.

• Manage a defined caseload following statutory procedures and good practice standards.

• Monitor and review care plans to ensure they continue to meet identified needs and goals.

• Keep accurate and timely case records using paper and digital systems.

• Produce clear, concise reports to support case management and decision-making.

• Provide up-to-date advice on benefits, fees, and allowances to help families gain support.

Requirements

• A recognised social work qualification (e.g., Social Work Degree, CQSW, DipSW)

• HCPC registration

• Strong communication and negotiation skills

• Clear, concise report-writing ability

• Ability to assess risk, analyse information, and solve problems

• Understanding of equality, dignity, empowerment, and safeguarding principles

• Experience working with children and families in a social work setting

• Knowledge of child protection legislation and substitute care

• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and accurate recording

• Ability to manage workload, time, and competing demands

• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role