Social Worker - Assessment (Exeter & East)

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome payment £5,000

Retention payment £2,000 per year

Generous annual leave

Free onsite parking

Social Work Academy

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking experienced Social Workers to join the Children’s Assessment Teams in Devon. You will assess children and families, develop protection and early help plans, and work with partners to secure safe, lasting outcomes.

New starters can receive a £5,000 Welcome Payment and a £2,000 annual Retention Payment. A strong emphasis on flexible working and professional development is highlighted within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Understanding of child protection processes and safeguarding.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and court environments.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families.
• Develop and monitor child protection, child in need, and early help plans.
• Work collaboratively with partners to promote positive, long-term change for children and carers.

Skills

Legislation knowledge

Court experience

Strong written skills

Relationship building

Education

Qualified social worker

Job description

We’re looking for experienced and passionate Social Workers to join our team in Devon.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to children and families, eligible new starters can receive a Welcome Payment of £5,000 and an annual Retention Payment of £2,000.

About Us

Our Children's Assessment Teams are responsible for undertaking an assessment of a child and determining the level of intervention needed for the family to enable them to make and sustain positive change. This will involve developing Child Protection, Child In Need and Early Help plans for children. Our goal is to make timely interventions ensuring children and their families receive the appropriate services from the right team at the right time.
Based at County Hall, our Exeter Team is within easy reach of the city centre and benefits from free on-site parking, excellent transport connections and a friendly on-site café. Beyond work, Exeter combines the character of a historic cathedral city with vibrant shopping, dining and cultural attractions.

About the Role

As a Social Worker, you will bring confident professional practice to a fast-paced and demanding environment. You will manage a varied caseload, complete high-quality assessments and use creative, strengths-based approaches to support meaningful, long-term change for children, young people, families and carers.

About You

You will be a strong advocate for Devon’s children and young people, working creatively and flexibly to promote positive, lasting change and secure permanence from the outset. You will bring:

• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models and theories relevant to children’s social work
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families and other professionals
• Experience in social care, including work within multi-agency and court environments
• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• A high level of written and verbal communication skills

Why Join Us?

We offer a strong package of benefits that recognises your contribution and supports your career and wellbeing:

• £5,000 Welcome payment. A valuable boost as you begin your career with us.
• £2,000 Retention payment per annum pro rata.
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities through our Social Work Academy.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need support & a variety of employee well-being services.
• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
• Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.