Social Worker

Somerset Council; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible/hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Qualified Social Worker to safeguard and support children and young people. You will assess needs, plan interventions and work with families and partners to promote safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes in a dynamic, transformative program.

The role is fixed-term for two years, with opportunities to contribute to innovative service delivery. You will operate within Children’s Services, carrying a varied caseload, and work across health, education, housing and

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with registration in Social Work England.
• Experience in social care within a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities.
• Experience working with health, education and voluntary sectors.

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.

Skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Partnership working

Social care knowledge

Escalation awareness

Experience with families

Education

Social work qualification

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

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Contract: Fixed-term contract for 2 years.

At Somerset Council, we are proud to be on an ambitious journey to transform how we support children and families across the county. As part of our Families First Partnership programme, we are reshaping services to ensure families receive the right help, at the right time, in the right way—working together with partners across social care, education, Police, health, and communities.

This is a significant and exciting period of change. We are developing a more connected, relationship-based system that puts children, young people and families at the centre—strengthening early help, enhancing multi-agency working, and supporting more children to grow up safely within their families and communities.

To help us deliver this transformation, we are recruiting to a number of roles across Children’s Services, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful, long-term change and be part of a workforce committed to improving outcomes for Somerset’s children and families.

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for two years, aligned to the delivery of our transformation programme. During this time, you will play a key part in shaping new ways of working, embedding innovation, and helping us build a sustainable system that makes a lasting difference.

If you are motivated by improving outcomes, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to be part of a service that is evolving and forward-thinking, we would love to hear from you.

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.

You will help 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.

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 you’ll bring

• 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 Social Work England and social worker qualified.
• 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.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• This role will be based in Bridgwater House, Bridgwater.
• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• Based across Somerset, 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.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

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 the role, you can contact Rachel Bovingdon – Strategic Manager Operations Communities, via email at [e-mail] .

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.