Family Safeguarding Social Worker

Somerset County Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset County Council seeks a passionate and qualified social worker to join their dedicated team in Taunton, supporting children and families through a relationship-based approach. With manageable caseloads, innovative solutions, and a supportive environment, you'll help drive positive change in the community while utilizing the latest technology and development resources.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working options

CPD focus on systemic and relationship-based practice

Wellbeing services for work/life balance

'My staff shop' with retail discounts

Support for career development

Discounted lease car options

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with children and families in social work.
• Passionate about building relationships to make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside adult-focused practitioners on family safeguarding.
• Support children and families through various interventions and assessments.

Skills

Relationship-based social work

Creative thinking

Education

Qualified social worker

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

• A commitment to your CPD through a bespoke learning and development programme.

At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for children in Somerset.

What will I be doing?

As we continue to roll out the Family Safeguarding model, you will be able to work alongside adult-focused practitioners to inform assessments and plans, in the specialist areas of substance misuse, domestic abuse, and mental health. Here in Somerset, our manageable caseloads let you be innovative and creative – undertaking direct work with children and young people to hear their voice and understand their experiences. You will work with parents and the wider family network, with access to Family Group Conferencing, to support them to identify strengths, tackle problems and change interactions and behaviours. With permanent Team Managers, you'll be supported with regular and reflective group and personal supervision.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be passionate about relationship-based social work, proud of your profession, and able to reflect and think creatively about how you can build relationships to make a difference to children and families. You will need to be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England and have substantial experience working with children and families in social work.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a friendly team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We are continuing to develop our use of motivational interviewing to support families with identifying opportunities for change and working to achieve and sustain this alongside them, with the support of our multi-agency partners. Up-to-date technology is provided to help you stay connected to your team and manager through virtual meetings, team check-ins and service sessions.

What's in it for me?

• A friendly supportive learning culture with an approachable and experienced leadership team
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options
• CPD with a strong focus on systemic and relationship-based practice
• Team and service away days to support a strong healthy working culture
• A kind, caring and supportive environment!
• A variety of wellbeing services to support a healthy work/life balance and lifestyle
• Support to develop your career to achieve your goals
• A flexible benefits package including cycle to work and health screening schemes
• ‘My staff shop’ which offers excellent discounts at a variety of retailers including cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel

Anything else I should know?

Based in Taunton, we are very open to flexible working options. You will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.

Due to the importance of the role we recommend applying as soon as possible. Depending on the level of response, we anticipate conducting interviews ahead of the closing date.

For an informal chat about roles within our team please contact [e-mail]

The salary is £36,124 to £40,476 per annum

DBS information

Please note this post requires a criminal check via the disclosure procedure.

Supporting documents and information

Please read any attached documents before applying for this job