Social Worker

Somerset Council; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Flexible working options

CPD and learning & development

Wellbeing services

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a full-time permanent Social Worker for the Sedgemoor Children Looked After team based in Bridgwater. The role offers hybrid working, a strong CPD focus, and a commitment to innovative technology to support frontline social work.

You will build relationships with children in care, lead corporate parenting duties and advocate for their needs, aiming for safe and stable placements while pursuing permanence and collaboration with partners.

Qualifications

• Relationship-based social work approach to support children and families.
• Experience reflecting creatively on building relationships to make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with children in care and lead corporate parenting responsibilities.
• Support positive changes in children’s lives and promote safety and stability at home.
• Advocate for children's needs and consider permanence, including reunification with families.
• Collaborate with colleagues and multi-agency partners to support families.

Skills

Relationship-based social work

Motivational interviewing

Education

Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

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Somerset Children’s Social Care has an exciting opportunity for a full-time permanent Social Worker in our Sedgemoor Children Looked After team.

• Based in Bridgwater House, Bridgwater
• Hybrid working opportunities
• 30 days annual leave
• 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 Beam, 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?

You will build meaningful relationships with children in our care and take a lead role in Somerset’s corporate parenting and statutory responsibilities.

We are looking for someone who is passionate and enthusiastic to provide a high quality service for all children and families supported by our Children Looked After teams.

You will have the opportunity to support positive changes to children’s lives, and help to keep safe and settled within their homes. You will advocate for them, and ensure their needs are well met.

You will have a strong focus on permanence, including considering opportunities to reunify children with their families.

You will work with colleagues and wider partners to ensure children, their carers and families are well-supported.

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 aqualified social workerregistered with Social Work England and have experience working with children and families in social work. It would be beneficial for you to have experience of public and private law within family courts, however this is not essential, and training can be provided.

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 Bridgwater, we are very open to flexible working options. This could include compressed hours or working a 9‑day fortnight.

You will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required both within and outside of the County.

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.

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