Children's SW - C&F Team - Devon

Caritas Recruitment Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking a qualified Children’s Social Worker to join a dedicated Children and Families team in Exeter. You will manage a varied caseload across children in need, child protection and looked-after children, delivering high-quality assessments and care planning.

You will work in partnership with schools, health professionals and other agencies, contributing to multi-agency meetings and safeguarding decisions.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience with children, young people and families.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and assess risk.
• Experience of court work and permanence planning advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Complete high-quality assessments.
• Develop and review care plans.
• Undertake statutory visits.
• Prepare reports and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Work with schools, health professionals, police and other agencies.
• Contribute to multi-agency meetings and reviews.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with legislation.
• Support families to access services and safeguard children.

Skills

Communications

Risk assessment

Child protection

Report writing

Education

Social Work degree

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

We are seeking a qualified Children’s Social Worker to join a dedicated Children and Families team. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children, young people and their families by providing skilled, child-centred social work practice and helping them achieve positive, lasting outcomes.

You will manage a varied caseload involving children in need, child protection, looked-after children and care proceedings. Your responsibilities will include completing high-quality assessments, developing and reviewing care plans, undertaking statutory visits, preparing reports and making evidence-based recommendations. You will work closely with children and families to understand their experiences, strengths and needs, ensuring their voices remain central to all decisions.

The role involves effective partnership working with schools, health professionals, police, legal services and other agencies. You will contribute to multi-agency meetings, strategy discussions, conferences and reviews, while maintaining accurate, timely case records in line with legislation, policy and professional standards. You will also support families to access appropriate services and challenge practice where this is necessary to safeguard children and promote their welfare.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You should have sound knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding procedures, together with experience of working with children, young people and families. The ability to manage competing priorities, assess risk, communicate effectively and produce clear analytical reports is essential. Experience of court work and knowledge of permanence planning would be advantageous.

You will be supported through regular supervision, professional development opportunities and a collaborative team environment. A valid driving licence and the ability to travel to undertake visits and attend meetings may be required. The successful applicant will demonstrate resilience, sound professional judgement, a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and a genuine determination to improve outcomes for children and families.