Family Safeguarding Social Worker

Somerset County Council; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working opportunities

30 days annual leave

Commitment to CPD

Access to AI tools (Magic Notes)

Job summary

Somerset County Council in Yeovil is recruiting a Social Worker to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The role involves assessing needs, planning interventions, and delivering support with families and partner agencies.

You will work in a multi-disciplinary environment, handling statutory responsibilities and ensuring safe, nurturing outcomes for service users. Hybrid working and ongoing professional development are supported.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social care practice and relevant legislation
• Experience in social care within a multi-disciplinary setting
• Experience working with children, young people and families with diverse needs
• Experience of partnership working with health, education and voluntary sectors
• Registration with Social Work England and a recognised social work qualification
• Strong IT skills to record, manage and retrieve information
• Clear, plain-English communication and escalation when needed

Responsibilities

• Carry out high-quality, child-centred assessments of need and risk to safeguard children and young people
• Build trusting relationships with children and families using strengths-based approaches
• Manage a caseload with varying complexity and escalate risks as required
• Develop, review and deliver care plans and evidence-based interventions aligned with the child’s voice
• Complete statutory assessments, reviews and risk assessments in line with legislation and best practice
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners and act as lead professional when appropriate
• Prepare clear reports for courts and decision-making forums
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service improvement
• Promote equality, diversity and children’s rights through anti-discriminatory practice
• Participate in duty work, supervision and professional development

Skills

Effective communication

Multi-agency collaboration

Trauma-informed practice

IT skills

Record keeping

Plain English communication

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Registration with Social Work England

Tools

Case management systems

MS Office

Job description

Closing date: 13 September 2026

Salary: £37,280 to £41,771 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Role Purpose

This role safeguards and supports children and young people by assessing their needs, planning effective interventions, and helping them thrive in safe, stable environments. It involves working closely with families and professionals to promote safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes.

• Hybrid working opportunities.
• 30 days annual leave.
• A commitment to your CPD.
• Access toinnovative AI technology including Magic Notes.

Role summary

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people by working with families and partner agencies to assess needs, plan interventions, and deliver support that helps children thrive in safe and nurturing environments.

Children and Young People's Social Care provide statutory services for:

• Children in Need (including children with disabilities)
• Children subject to Child Protection Plans
• Children Looked After and Care Leavers

Qualified Social Workers work to Social Work England standards, holding case responsibility and working closely with multi-agency partners.

What you'll do - key responsibilities

• Carry out high-quality, child-centred assessments of need and risk to safeguard children and young people.
• Build trusting relationships with children and families, using strengths-based and trauma-informed practice.
• Manage a caseload of children with varying levels of complexity, responding to referrals and escalating risk where required.
• Develop, review and deliver care plans and evidence-based interventions that reflect the child's voice and best interests.
• Complete statutory assessments, reviews and risk assessments in line with legislation, policy and best practice.
• Work closely with multi-agency partners (including health, education, housing and police) and act as lead professional where appropriate.
• Prepare clear, timely reports and documentation, including for courts and decision‑making forums.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality records and contribute to team quality assurance and service improvement.
• Promote equality, diversity and children's rights through anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Participate in duty work, professional development, supervision and service initiatives as required.

What we’re looking for - knowledge, experience & skills

Essential:

• Knowledge and understanding of social care practice, including relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities
• Understanding of social care resources and support available beyond statutory services
• Relevant experience working in social care within a multi‑disciplinary setting
• Experience of partnership working with other agencies such as health, education and voluntary sector organisations
• Experience of working with children, young people and families with a range of needs and complexities
• Possession of a recognised social work qualification (or equivalent)
• Registration with the professional social work regulatory body
• Strong IT skills to accurately record, manage and retrieve information
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to use clear and plain English
• Ability to manage sensitive and challenging situations and recognise when escalation is required

Desirable:

• Awareness of current government guidance and legislative changes affecting social care
• Supervisory experience
• Evidence of continuous professional development and reflective practice

Any Additional Information

This role requires multi‑agency working, accurate record keeping and commitment to continuous professional development.

Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

Location & Working Conditions

Based in Yeovil, 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.

AG0608 Social Worker 2025.pdf

Job ref: 1290/DT