Social Worker

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 37,530 - 45,870; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual leave and statutory holidays

Membership of West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Continuing professional development opportunities

Essential car user allowance

Job summary

Leeds City Council is seeking a dedicated children's social worker to join their supportive team in Leeds. Applicants must hold a relevant social work qualification and have at least one year of experience in a statutory setting, particularly in child protection or with looked after children. The council supports flexible working arrangements and offers ongoing professional development to enhance your career. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Must have a relevant social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• At least one year’s experience in a statutory setting with child protection or looked after children.
• Willingness to work towards Practice Educator Level 1.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload with appropriate complexity.
• Engage in supervision for critical reflection.
• Contribute to family decision-making including family group conferencing.

Skills

Experience in statutory setting

Knowledge of safeguarding policies

Communication and collaboration skills

Ability to assess social care needs

Proactive use of supervision

Education

Relevant social work qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)

Job description

All applicants MUST have a relevant social work qualification.

Must have relevant experience of working in a statutory setting within children’s social work – including child protection or looked after children, and experience of working within the English legislation framework.

As a children’s social worker, you will thrive on working restoratively with children and families by building strong relationships to inspire positive change and sustainable outcomes.

Our restorative practice model lies at the heart of our children’s social work team at Leeds City Council. We believe that relationships really matter in our role; working with and alongside people is the best way to make a positive difference for children and young people.

We have opportunities for social workers with at least a year’s post‑qualification experience. We can offer permanent contracts on a full‑time, part‑time or job‑share basis to suitably qualified candidates. We are open to flexible working arrangements to support your work‑life balance, if service needs can be fulfilled.

About You

As a social worker you will hold an appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and must be registered with Social Work England on commencement in post.

In addition to your professional qualification and registration you will have completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and be willing to work towards Practice Educator Level 1.

Skills and Experience

• At least one year’s experience in a statutory setting and ability to assess social care needs and plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of trends, policies, regulation and safeguarding in social care.
• Consultative approach to engage children and families, taking their views on board and advocating for them.
• Communication and collaboration skills for effective multi‑agency working.
• Proactive use of supervision for critical reflection and to enhance practice and insight.

About the Role

You will be integral to our close‑knit, supportive children’s social work team, which has your wellbeing and professional development at heart.

All our social workers manage a caseload with complexity appropriate to their level of experience. Our child‑focused approach is underpinned by our culture of restorative practice and family decision‑making including family group conferencing.

You will engage proactively in the supervision and appraisal framework for critical reflection and exploration of your role. You will undertake the Practice Educator Level 1 qualification, developing your skills in mentoring and developing newly qualified colleagues and students.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Essential car user allowance plus car loan scheme.
• Access to deals and discounts, including eligibility for a blue light card.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

Legal and Eligibility

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex‑offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.