Social Worker - Children & Families (South & West)

Devon County Council; Topsham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome payment £5,000

Retention payment £2,000 per annum pro

Free onsite parking

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance and wellbeing

Flexible working

LGPS

Cycle to work

EV salary sacrifice

Relocation allowance

Job summary

Devon County Council’s Children & Families Service in Devon seeks a Social Worker to safeguard children, support families, and drive meaningful, long-term change. Based at Follaton House in Totnes, you will join a dedicated team delivering assessments, interventions, and care planning in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes relationship-based practice, partnership with agencies, and legislative know-how to secure positive outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of legislation, models and theories in children's social work
• Ability to build professional relationships with children, families and other professionals
• Experience in social care, including multi-agency and court environments
• Qualified and registered social worker with England
• ASYE completed or in place

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload for children and families across Devon
• Collaborate with families and partner agencies to achieve long-term outcomes
• Deliver high-quality assessments and interventions to improve child welfare
• Advocate for the best interests of children and young people

Skills

Relationship building

Written and verbal communication

Caseload management

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Social work degree

Registration with Social Work England

ASYE completion

Job description

We're seeking passionate and dedicated Social Workers who are committed to safeguarding children, supporting families, and delivering meaningful, long-term change throughout South & West Devon.

By joining our Children & Families Service, you'll play a vital role in improving outcomes and creating brighter futures for children and young people across the region.

About Us

Our Children & Families Service offers a dynamic, supportive environment where you can make a real and lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable children and their families.

Based at Follaton House in Totnes, we use restorative practice to support and safeguard children in need. Through effective management of legal proceedings and care arrangements, our skilled and experienced teams work in partnership with children and their families building strong, trusting relationships and identifying strengths to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating safer, healthier and happier lives for children and young people across Devon.

About the Role

As a Social Worker within Children & Families, you'll bring your professional skills, compassion and judgement to support children, young people and families through some of the most important moments in their lives. You'll manage a varied caseload, working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve meaningful, long-term change.

We're looking for someone who values relationship-based practice, can adapt to a fast-paced environment, and is committed to delivering high-quality assessments and interventions that help improve outcomes for children, young people, families and carers.

About You

Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will work creatively and flexibly to promote positive long-term change, ensuring permanence from the outset. Your skills and experience will include:

• 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 working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
• A 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

Working in Children's Social Care at Devon County Council

Situated about a mile from the main town centre of Totnes, the Children & Families (South & West) Service is based at Follaton House. For more information about Working for Devon please visit. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:

• A £5,000 Welcome Payment for eligible new permanent staff (see further information below)
• Retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata.
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance and well‑being services for the times you may need some support
• Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and flexible working
• options where possible
• A benefits platform that offers discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Sponsorship Opportunities

We welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified candidates who are now residing in the UK and interested in joining our team.

Relocation Payment

If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!

To find out more about the role, please contact Children & Families South & West Service Manager, Andrew Hollingworth [e-mail]

Applications close on 15 November 2026.

Please note: Interviews will be conducted at various stages of our recruitment campaign. We strongly encourage you to submit your application early to avoid disappointment as it is possible that the advert may close early.

Internal Applicants

Please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Additional Information

• Devon County Council is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Personal data will be processed in line with our Applicant privacy notice.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon.

This role requires

• A suitable DBS check.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Confidence and fluency in spoken English

REQ017036 - Children's Social Care