Social Worker | Duty & Assessment | East Lancashire

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

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave (rising to 32)

Local Authority Pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Lancashire County Council's Children’s Services in East Lancashire is hiring a Social Worker to join the Duty and Assessment Team. You’ll assess and respond to referrals to safeguard children and their families in a dynamic, supportive environment.

This permanent, full‑time role offers 37 hours per week, travel across East Lancashire, and a salary of £36,363 – £46,142, plus a strong benefits package and ongoing professional development with the Social Work Academy.

Qualifications

• Holds a recognised Social Work degree and is registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 12 months post-qualification experience.
• ASYE completed (not suitable for Newly Qualified Social Workers).
• Able to drive and has access to own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assess and respond to a variety of cases to safeguard children.
• Ensure safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families.
• Collaborate with families and other agencies in multi‑agency plans.

Skills

Driving licence

Team collaboration

Education

Social Work degree (recognised)

Job description

Job Description

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

International Sponsorship

- this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Social Worker | Duty and Assessment Team

Location: East Lancashire - Travel across East Lancashire required

About Us

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

31 August 2026

Interviews:

Weekly interview slots

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

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

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.

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.