Social Worker - Safeguarding & Support

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a skilled Children's Social Worker to join its Safeguarding & Support teams. The role involves working with children and families, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while fostering collaborative relationships. The position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including a welcome payment and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Welcome payment of £10,000

Retention payment scheme

Relocation packages up to £10,000

Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Career progression opportunities

Flexible working options

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Passionate about safeguarding children and supporting families.
• Skilled in assessment, planning, and delivering interventions.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children, young people and families.
• Build trusting relationships and offer support.
• Ensure children are safe and thriving.

Skills

Assessment skills

Planning skills

Decision-making

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Recognized Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)

Job description

About the Role

Children's Social Worker – Safeguarding & Support. Contract: Permanent. Location: Multiple locations – Ross on Wye, Leominster, Hereford. Hours: 37 per week. Salary: 08HC £36,363 - £40,777 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year – £41,363 - £45,777). Welcome payment: £10,000 (see guidance attached). Relocation package: up to £10,000 available. Closing date: 12/10/2025.

We are looking for skilled and committed Social Workers to join our Safeguarding and Support teams. You will work directly with children, young people, and their families to create meaningful, lasting change. You will build trusting relationships, offer early help and support, and when necessary, take decisive action to ensure children are safe and thriving. Our focus is on working collaboratively with families, empowering them to overcome challenges while always keeping the child’s voice at the centre of everything we do.

We are committed to an inclusive and collaborative service and to empowering children and their families to make necessary changes. When necessary to ensure safe care arrangements, we will act professionally, skilfully and sensitively. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Herefordshire Council’s next chapter and to have a genuine impact on local safeguarding practices.

Video insight: Curious about what it’s really like to be a Social Worker with us? This short video provides a glimpse into our service: https://youtu.be/FSjU-FV5uic

What We Offer

• Starting salary of £36,363 - £40,777 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year £41,363 - £45,777)
• Welcome payment £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams
• Retention payment scheme
• Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
• Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers’ development
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress to senior social worker level
• Generous annual leave: 31 days (pro rata) plus bank holidays; option to purchase additional 10 days
• Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and some home working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Perks and discounts across retail, leisure, holidays and health benefits

About You

We are looking for Social Workers who are:

• Passionate about safeguarding children and supporting families
• Skilled in assessment, planning, and delivering interventions
• Committed to working collaboratively, inclusively, and creatively
• Resilient, reflective, and confident in making difficult decisions
• Able to work effectively within a supportive team environment
• Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)

Our Safeguarding & Support Teams

Our Safeguarding and Support service is made up of six teams, working from three locality offices (South, North and Central). Each team includes a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and Family Support Workers. Locality working supports connection, collaboration, and flexible home working. We use a restorative approach to social work, with guidance available from senior managers for complex cases.

Application & Selection

Herefordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If offered the position, it will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks. We welcome applicants who indicate a disability, service in the Armed Forces, or if you are a Herefordshire care leaver, under our respective schemes. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details. To apply, submit your CV and a supporting statement within the application form, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please note: the council is unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. A full list of current vacancies can be found at Spirit of Herefordshire: https://spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs/