Children's Social Worker - Court & PLO (Locum)

Children's Social Worker - Court & PLO (Locum) Location: Bournemouth & Poole Area (Office-based requirement - minimum 3 days per week) Pay Rate: £31.75 per hour PAYE | £40.60 per hour Umbrella Contract: Temporary | Full-Time (37 hours per week) Start Date: 01 June 2026 End Date: 31 August 2026

Seven Resourcing are currently recruiting for an experienced Children's Social Worker to join a busy Court & PLO team within a well-established children's services department in the Bournemouth & Poole area. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled practitioner who has strong experience in court work, pre-proceedings (PLO), and statutory children's social care.

This role involves managing complex cases from the point of pre-proceedings through to court proceedings and placement order, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and families. You will be working within a supportive team environment with manageable caseloads, regular supervision, and a strong focus on high-quality practice.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of complex children's social care cases within Court & PLO processes
Progress cases from pre-proceedings through to court proceedings and placement order
Undertake assessments, care planning, and risk analysis in line with statutory requirements
Prepare high-quality court reports, statements, and evidence
Attend court hearings and contribute to legal planning meetings
Work closely with families, foster carers, legal representatives, and partner agencies
Ensure all interventions are child-focused, timely, and legally compliant
Participate in regular supervision and contribute to team decision-making
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings on electronic systems

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with current registration with Social Work England
Minimum 3 years post-qualified experience within statutory children's services
Proven experience in Court Work and Pre-Proceedings (PLO)
Strong understanding of child protection legislation, care proceedings, and safeguarding frameworks
Ability to manage complex and high-risk caseloads effectively
Excellent report writing, assessment, and analytical skills
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Working Arrangements

Office-based minimum of 3 days per week (non-negotiable requirement)
Full-time locum position (37 hours per week)
Must be able to work flexibly within court deadlines and statutory timescales
Essential car user status required due to travel demands within the service area

Working for Seven Resourcing:

Established in 2011, Seven Resourcing is one of the UK's largest suppliers of temporary and ad-hoc professionals. Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot from 3000+ reviews, and with 20+ major awards behind us, we take pride in knowing we can find you the best possible rates and a role you can be proud of.