Social Worker

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; West Kilbride; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a progressive council as a Social Worker focused on the Duty and Assessment Team, making a significant impact on children's lives in Halton. Work collaboratively to assess risk and needs, delivering essential support while benefiting from generous leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

34 days annual holiday allowance

Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme

3 x Salary Life Cover

Investment in personal development

Free Car Parking

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Must have completed a degree or post graduate programme in social work.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess levels of risk and need for children.
• Deliver protective or supportive services for children at risk.
• Ensure timely support and assessment for children and families.

Skills

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Risk Assessment

Education

Degree in Social Work

Post Graduate Programme in Social Work

Job description

Social Worker - Duty & Assessment (Widnes)

Location: Halton

Salary: £37,024 - £48,421 per annum

The Council is a vibrant local authority area encompassing Widnes and Runcorn, with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester.

Their progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join them as they develop new policies and transform the way people access services.

They are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for the council, the most popular response from their workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.

The Role

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of children?

Are you looking for somewhere that allows you to truly shape the life chances of children and young people?

They are looking to recruit experienced Social Workers to support them on their improvement journey. Join a team where they’re always looking ahead — a place that’s deeply committed to continuous learning, growth, and career progression.

The Duty and Assessment Team are a dedicated and impactful team, who are at the heart of positive change — working directly with children, families, and partner agencies to ensure every child’s needs are met swiftly and effectively. With a strong focus on collaboration and timely support, this is a team where your work truly makes a difference.

As a Social Worker within their Duty and Assessment Team, you will identify and assess levels of risk and need, and deliver protective or supportive services for children at risk, in need of support and or looked after. If the child/young person requires longer term support you will assist in ensuring that they are allocated to a social worker in their Child in Need team.

This role is based in their office in Widnes with some travel across the Borough.

Skills and Qualifications

For this role, you must have successfully completed a degree or post graduate programme in social work and be registered with Social Work England.

In addition, you will have:

• A strong motivation to work together and build relationships with children and young people
• A in-depth understanding of legislation, guidance and procedures
• The proven ability to develop and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries
• A continued understanding of child and adolescent development as well as safeguarding requirements
• Excellent communication skills, with a collaborative approach to positive outcomes
• An appreciation of working closely with others, multi-disciplinary working and integrated service delivery
• Excellent risk assessment, planning and report writing skills
• A positive mindset to working in challenging environments and managing complex cases
• A proactive approach to continued development to significant issues relating to vulnerable children

Benefits

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service
• Membership of their defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
• Investment in your personal development
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites
• Flexible working arrangements
• Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Council, please do not hesitate to apply.