Qualified Social Worker Referrals & Assessment Team

A wilderness Way; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's care provider in Penrith is searching for a Qualified Social Worker to join their Referrals & Assessment Team. This role is on a 6-month fixed term contract, offering hybrid flexibility to work from home while ensuring child's best interests in care decisions. Required qualifications include a Degree in Social Work and at least 2 years’ experience in children's services. You'll collaborate with local authorities and internal teams to make impactful decisions in safeguarding and care planning.

Benefits

Hybrid working for better work-life balance

Opportunity to influence best practice

Supportive passionate team

Qualifications

• Current registration with Social Work England is required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in children’s services.
• Ability to assess suitability and risk factors in care planning.

Responsibilities

• Assess incoming referrals for residential placements.
• Provide expert advice on suitability and risk factors.
• Collaborate with local authorities to safeguard children's interests.

Skills

Professional judgment

Analytical skills

Knowledge of safeguarding legislation

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

Use your expertise to shape brighter futures for children. Make a real difference where it matters most.

At Wilderness Way, we provide specialist residential care for children and young people who have experienced trauma and complex needs. Our mission is simple: create safe, nurturing environments that enable positive outcomes and lasting change.

We’re looking for a Qualified Social Worker to join our Referrals & Assessment Team on a 6-month fixed term contract. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to work from home while collaborating with colleagues and attending key meetings at our Penrith office. You’ll be at the heart of ethical, child-centered decision‑making.

What you’ll do

• Assess incoming referrals for residential placements using your professional judgment and statutory frameworks.
• Provide expert advice on suitability, risk factors, and care planning.
• Collaborate with local authorities and internal teams to ensure every decision safeguards and supports the child’s best interests.

What we’re looking for

• Degree in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England.
• Minimum 2 years’ post‑qualification experience in children’s services.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and excellent analytical skills.

Why join us

• Hybrid working for better work‑life balance.
• Be part of a passionate team committed to transforming lives.
• Opportunity to influence best practice in referrals and placements.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver exceptional care where it’s needed most.

All roles at AWW are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.