Social Worker (Childrens) (Grade 10)

Nations Recruitment; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a qualified Duty Social Worker for immediate start in Bridgwater. The role involves supporting Safeguarding Teams, undertaking duty tasks for children, and working collaboratively within a Family Safeguarding model. A full driving licence and substantial experience in social work are essential. This position offers a supportive work environment aimed at improving family dynamics and child welfare.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working with children and families in social work.
• Ability to reflect and think creatively.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Support Safeguarding Teams as a consistent Duty Social Worker.
• Undertake duty tasks for children under Child Protection Plans.
• Work within a Family Safeguarding model.

Skills

Relationship-based social work

Motivational interviewing

Child protection

Family engagement

Education

Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

Job Category: Social Care Qualified

Job location: King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR, United Kingdom

Employer: Somerset Council

Hours per week: 37

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £28.48 per hour

What will I be doing?

You will be supporting our Safeguarding Teams as a consistent Duty Social Worker for a period of 3 months, while we continue to recruit permanent workers to existing vacancies.

You will be undertaking duty tasks for children subject to Child In Need and Child Protection Plans, in pre-proceedings and in legal proceedings. You will be supporting our existing teams to cover for staff who are on leave or off work unwell, allowing social workers more time and space to work with the families allocated to them. Your work will be supported and overseen by the Duty Team Manager, and you will work alongside backup duty workers from within the teams.

In our well established Family Safeguarding model, you will be able to work alongside adult-focused practitioners to inform assessments and plans, in the specialist areas of substance misuse, domestic abuse, and mental health.

You will work with parents and the wider family network, with access to Family Group Conferencing, to support them to identify strengths, tackle problems and change interactions and behaviours. With permanent Team Managers, you'll be supported with regular and reflective group and personal supervision.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be passionate about relationship-based social work, proud of your profession, and able to reflect and think creatively about how you can build relationships to make a difference to children and families. You will need to be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England and have substantial experience working with children and families in social work.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a friendly team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We are continuing to develop our use of motivational interviewing to support families with identifying opportunities for change and working to achieve and sustain this alongside them, with the support of our multi-agency partners. Up-to-date technology is provided to help you stay connected to your team and manager through virtual meetings, team check-ins and service sessions. As an authority, we use Magic Notes to support our social workers with their recording.

Anything else I should know?

You will be based in Bridgwater, we are open to flexible working options but would expect you to be in the office for the majority of your working week each week as you will need to be available to complete visits on duty at short notice. You will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.