Social Worker | Duty & Assessment | East Lancashire

Lancashire County Council; Burnley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee discounts platform

Salary sacrifice options

Job summary

Lancashire County Council's Children’s Services is seeking a Social Worker in the Duty and Assessment Team to safeguard children and support families across East Lancashire. You will assess and respond to a range of cases, delivering timely, strengths-based practice.

Ideally you hold a Social Work degree and registration with Social Work England, with at least 12 months post-qualification experience, and you must be able to drive to travel across the area.

Qualifications

• Holds a recognised Social Work degree and is registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 12 months post‑qualification experience.
• Collaborative and able to work well with multiple agencies to achieve the best outcome for children & their families.
• Is able to drive and has access to their own vehicle.
• ASYE completion required; not suitable for Newly Qualified Social Workers or those undertaking their ASYE.

Responsibilities

• Assess and respond to a variety of cases to safeguard children and families.
• Deliver timely, high-quality assessments and ensure safety and wellbeing of children.
• Collaborate with other agencies to develop multi‑agency plans for best outcomes.
• Maintain relationship‑based practice in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills

Collaboration

Driving licence

Education

Social Work degree

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

01 Description | Salary £36,363 - £46,142 per annum | Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week | East Lancashire |

International Sponsorship

02 this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Social Worker | Duty and Assessment Team

Location

03 East Lancashire - Travel across East Lancashire required

About Us...

04 Lancashire County Council Children’s Services is a progressive and innovative workplace that embraces strengths-based approaches and the Family Safeguarding model of practice. This is an exciting time to join us as we undergo positive changes and develop our service.

05 As one of the largest local authorities, we provide numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development. Our supportive management team is dedicated to ensuring you thrive in your role as a Social Worker.

About The Role

06 This is an amazing opportunity that allows you to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in need. You'll be at the forefront of assessing and responding to a variety of cases, ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable children. The role offers a dynamic and supportive environment where you can develop your skills and knowledge through continuous professional development. Additionally, you'll be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation, and compassion, making a real difference in the community every day.

07 Our team is well‑supported, allowing you to focus on delivering quality and timely assessments. We value the active participation of families, children, and young people in this process. Collaboration with other agencies is essential, and we encourage the development of multi‑agency plans to achieve the best outcomes for families.

08 If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and enjoy relationship‑based practice, this is the opportunity for you!

About You

• Holds a recognised Social Work degree and is registered with Social Work England.


• Has a minimum 12-months post‑qualification experience.*


• Is collaborative and can work well with multiple agencies to achieve the best outcome for children & their families.


• Is able to drive and has access to their own vehicle.


• Unfortunately, at this time we require Social Workers who have already completed their ASYE and these roles are not suitable for Newly Qualified Social Workers or those looking to undertake their ASYE.

Why Join Us?

• Benefits: There's fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work life balance you'll love; 26 days annual leave, rising to 32 days with tenure plus 10 statutory/bank holidays and an additional 20 days that can be purchased too. An Employee Assistance Programme for your family and yourself plus a generous Local Authority Pension available. Finally, we have an enviable employee benefits platform which provides numerous discounts from your weekly shop to holidays and entertainment with salary sacrifice options on electronics, bicycles, white goods, and cars.


• Development: we'll provide support and development at each stage of your journey with us from induction through to personal and professional qualifications. There will be opportunities for career progression both vertically but also into other areas of the organisation if you wish. They'll be time for reflection and interaction with your line manager, as well as peer support from those within the wider team.


• Inclusivity: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and have support groups available for everyone.


• Our Commitment: We understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance and manageable caseloads. With national funding, we are enhancing our service by reducing caseloads, providing excellent training, and expanding our service offerings to positively impact Lancashire’s children and families.


• Training and Development: New recruits will attend our established Social Work Academy, which includes an extensive induction programme, regular recall days, and training for ASYE social workers. Our Practice Development Managers lead this Academy, ensuring high standards of practice.

Closing Date

30 September 2026

Interviews

Weekly interview slots

09 We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

10 The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.

11 If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.

12 Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in Lancashire!

13 The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

You must be registered (Social Work England) to be appointed as a Social Worker.

14 You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use.