Social Worker (Unprogressed)

Newcastle City Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal authority in Newcastle is seeking a passionate Social Worker for their Initial Response Service. This role focuses on providing the best outcomes for children through assessments and support. You will be part of a collaborative team that values relational practice, working towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City. The position offers a range of benefits, including a generous induction program and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Defined benefit pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience with Child and Family Assessments is essential.
• Ability to provide short-term support to children in need.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection protocols.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments.
• Conduct Child Protection Enquiries.
• Provide support to children and families.

Skills

Relational and restorative practice

Team player

Commitment to child welfare

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Grow Your Practice. Make a Difference. Thrive in Newcastle.

Progressed Social Worker – Children’s Social Care Newcastle Children & Families

This isn’t just another job. This is Newcastle.

We’re not just a local authority—we’re a city with ambition, heart, and a bold vision for children. At Newcastle Children’s Social Care, we’re building something special: a service rooted in relationships, restorative practice, and real impact.

We’ve been judged Good with Outstanding areas by Ofsted (May 2025)—but we’re not stopping there. We’re on a mission to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City, and we’re proud to be working towards becoming a Marmot City, tackling inequality and putting children at the centre of everything we do.

This is an exciting time to join us as we develop the Families First partnership—bringing services together to deliver earlier, more effective support for children and families. Newcastle City Council is committed to supporting Children’s Social Care and additional investment has created new opportunities within our teams.

The Role

We are looking for a Social Worker to work within our Initial Response Service. We are looking to recruit Social Workers who are committed to providing the best outcomes for the children in our city. You will work within the Initial Response Service where children are first referred to Childrens Social Care; you will undertake Child and Family Assessments, Child Protection Enquiries and provide short‑term support to children in need.

Who we are looking for?

We are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for the children in our city, and you should be too. We are looking for Social Workers who are committed to working with children, young people, and their families in a relational and restorative way.

We are lucky enough to have most of our teams based in one office, meaning that working relationships are strong and we pride ourselves on our ability to work together in the best interests of children and families. So, we are looking for team players who want to work in an environment that prioritises relationships and champions social work values.

Why Newcastle Children’s Social Care?

In February 2022 Newcastle Children’s Social Care was rated as GOOD across all areas by Ofsted.

"Social workers are positive about working for Newcastle. They feel well supported through their induction and speak of supportive and available managers."

OFSTED have also recently visited the Initial Response Service to complete a focussed visit; they said – "Children and families in Newcastle receive effective responses when referred to the social care front door. Children in need of help and protection receive a response that is timely and proportionate and improves their situation. The front door workforce is highly skilled and knowledgeable. Children’s lived experiences are well considered, leading to informed and effective interventions."

Through our innovative work as part of the DFE’s Strengthening Families Protecting Children programme we have implemented the Family Valued approach across our service and city to transform how we work with children, families and partners. Family Valued is a relational and restorative approach to services, focussing on strength and values. If you want to continue to develop and grow your skillset now is the time to join us!

As an enthusiastic team player, you will benefit from a dedicated and supportive workplace culture where we will support you to succeed. Our social workers tell us "Newcastle is such a good authority to work for" where "our shared vision and values are really rooted in our practice" (feedback from staff members).

We will encourage you to be creative and progress your career making social work at Newcastle a profession that is yours to own. In addition, you will receive:

• A dedicated 5‑day induction
• Generous annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually
• A range of flexible working options
• A generous Flexi Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential advice and support
• Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme
• Access to a home electronics scheme and vehicle leasing scheme

We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is working in regulated activity. If you are successful we will undertake additional recruitment checks which will include a check to see if you have had any criminal convictions, a check of police information and we will check the barred list(s). It is a criminal offence for a barred individual to apply for a job in regulated activity.

Apply online at www.northeastjobs.org.uk, select ‘Apply Now’ and complete our online application form. Before completing the form please ensure you read the supporting documents. Any communication sent to you regarding your application will be sent to the email address you have set up on your Northeast Jobs account, so you will need to ensure that you check your inbox.