Senior/Experience Social Worker (Childrens) (Grade 9)

Nations Recruitment; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a qualified social worker for a short-term role in their Family Safeguarding team. This position involves working with children and families at the Child In Need level to support them effectively. Candidates should have substantial experience in social work, especially with complex cases, and a passion for relationship-based practice. The role offers flexibility in working arrangements and requires a full driving license. Competitive hourly pay is provided.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with children and families in social work.
• Experience of supporting and mentoring less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to work with complex needs and risks.

Responsibilities

• Work with children and families supported at Child In Need level.
• Support families to identify strengths, tackle problems, and change behaviors.
• Undertake direct work with children and young people.

Skills

Relationship-based social work

Mentoring

Creative thinking

Education

Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England

Tools

Magic Notes

Job description

Job Details

Job Category: Social Care Qualified

Job location: King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR, United Kingdom

Employer: Somerset Council

Hours per day: 7.5

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £29.98 per hour

Work arrangement: 3 Days Per Week Onsite - 2 From Home

What will I be doing?

This post is short-term cover in our Family Safeguarding team, working with children and families supported at Child In Need level to progress their plans and work towards step‑down or closure to Children's Social Care. This is needed pending recruitment of permanent team members in early 2026.

In our well established 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. You will have experience of supporting and mentoring less experienced colleagues and working with complex needs and risks, and will be happy to continue doing this with us in Somerset.

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. We also use Magic Notes as an authority to support social workers with their recording.

Anything else I should know?

Based in Bridgwater, we are 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.