Social Worker / Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Staying Together (AST) Team

Job Description

Job Title: Social Worker / Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Staying Together (AST) Team
Specialism: Children’s Services
Location: Staffordshire, UK
Salary: £38.00–£40.00 Per Hour
Type: Temporary / Full Time

We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Practitioners to join the Assessment & Staying Together (AST) Team across Staffordshire. Opportunities are currently available in Stafford, Newcastle, and Moorlands. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a restorative and strengths-based service, supporting children and families to achieve positive outcomes while preventing unnecessary escalation through effective assessment, intervention, and collaborative planning. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum of two office-based days per week.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate of £38.00–£40.00 per hour for experienced practitioners.
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of two office-based days each week.
• Access to regular training, professional development, and supervision.
• Access to the Vivup Benefits Platform, offering discounts across retail, restaurants, gyms, and more.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment focused on high-quality practice.
• Opportunity to work within a restorative practice model that promotes positive outcomes for children and families.

What You Will Do

• Manage a varied caseload of children and families, delivering timely, high-quality assessments and interventions.
• Undertake statutory social work responsibilities, including safeguarding, Child in Need, Child Protection, and care planning where required.
• Build strong, restorative relationships with children, families, carers, and partner agencies.
• Complete high-quality assessments, reports, and plans within statutory timescales.
• Participate in Family Group Conferences and family meetings to promote strengths-based planning.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• As a Senior Practitioner, provide mentoring, coaching, and professional support to less experienced social workers and students while supporting the Team Manager in maintaining high standards of practice.

Why Staffordshire

Staffordshire is committed to delivering high-quality Children’s Services through restorative practice, early intervention, and collaborative working. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive service where your expertise will make a genuine difference to children, young people, and their families.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we connect experienced social care professionals with outstanding opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on providing a professional, transparent, and supportive recruitment experience, helping you take the next step in your social work career.

Apply today and let us know your preferred location: Stafford, Newcastle, or Moorlands.