Social Worker (Children & Families) - 101586 - 451880

Stirling Council; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Scotland is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join their Initial Assessment Team. The role involves providing front-line services to children and families, undertaking assessments, and managing varied caseloads. Candidates must hold a relevant social work qualification and be registered or eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council. The council offers a supportive work environment with benefits such as flexible working arrangements, annual leave, and opportunities for ongoing development.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Health & Wellbeing support

Ongoing opportunities for Learning & Development

Qualifications

• Hold a Degree or Diploma in Social Work (or are final-year students).
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
• Sound understanding of GIRFEC, child protection frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line service for new social work referrals.
• Undertake short-term assessments and interventions.
• Support children from pre-birth to age 26 through transitions.
• Manage a varied caseload including child protection cases.

Skills

Communication skills

Assessment abilities

Organisational skills

Flexibility

Resilience

Education

Degree or Diploma in Social Work

Job description

Stirling is evolving—and so is Stirling Council. As we transform the way we work and deliver services, we remain firmly committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every child and young person in our communities. In partnership with our community planning colleagues, we are delivering on the ambitions of the Stirling Plan—a bold vision for a place where everyone can thrive.

We are currently seeking a qualified Social Worker to join our Initial Assessment Team—a dynamic, fast‑paced service that plays a vital role in supporting children, young people, and families at the earliest point of contact.

As a member of the Initial Assessment Team, you will:

• Provide a responsive, front‑line service for all new social work referrals.
• Undertake short‑term assessments and interventions, often during times of crisis.
• Work with children and young people from pre‑birth to age 26, supporting them through key life transitions.
• Carry a varied caseload, including voluntary involvement, child protection cases, and those subject to Compulsory Measures of Care.
• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with families using a trauma‑responsive, strengths‑based approach.
• Contribute to early and effective decision‑making, including planning for alternative care when necessary.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a critical stage in a child or young person’s life.

We are seeking candidates who:

• Hold a Degree or Diploma in Social Work (or are final‑year students due to qualify).
• Are registered (or eligible for registration) with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
• Have a sound understanding of GIRFEC, relevant legislation, and child protection frameworks.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, assessment, and organisational skills.
• Are flexible, resilient, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Embrace the values and principles of The Promise and are committed to delivering relationship‑based, trauma‑responsive practice.

At Stirling Council, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We are committed to shifting the balance of care by empowering families and communities, and by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up loved, safe, and respected.

The successful candidate will be required to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) for Children and Adults. If your application is progressed after the interview, you will be asked to complete the form and have your details verified.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age (restrictions apply to Modern Apprenticeships), disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

The Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus 7 public holidays (rising to 35 after 5 years continuous service) pro‑rated for part‑time roles.
• Flexible working including hybrid office/work from home arrangements where the role allows. We have a good balance across our teams, retaining the benefits to work/life balance of working from home part of the week, with the collaborative and social benefits of working from the office 2‑3 days per week.
• Biennial incremental progression until top of your payscale is reached.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. For further details visit https://www.scotlgpsmember.org/about-the-lgps/.
• Up to 6 months full sick pay and 6 months half pay dependent on length of service.
• Carers Leave.
• Up to 4 weeks paid paternity leave.
• Access to Health & Wellbeing support.
• Ongoing opportunities for Learning & Development.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Lift share Scheme.
• Car Lease Scheme.
• Technology Benefit Scheme.