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Social Worker – Children’s Services

Location: Devon County Council (South & West Devon)

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

Working Pattern: Hybrid – office-based visits and flexible home working

About the Role

Devon County Council is seeking experienced and passionate Social Workers to join our Children and Families Teams across South & West Devon. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with children, young people, and families to achieve meaningful, positive, and lasting change through relationship-based practice and a strengths-focused approach.

As a Social Worker, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding and supporting children across a varied caseload, including Child in Need, Child Protection, Legal Proceedings, and Looked After Children. You will work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to ensure that every child is given the best possible opportunity to thrive safely within their home and community.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake thorough, evidence-based assessments of children and families in line with statutory guidance and best practice.
   

• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that are family-led and focused on achieving safety and stability.
   

• Work directly with children and families to build trusting, positive relationships that empower them to make sustainable change.
   

• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring timely and proportionate interventions to meet identified needs and reduce risk.
   

• Contribute to legal proceedings, court reports, and multi-agency meetings where required.
   

• Ensure that the child’s voice and lived experience are central to all assessment and planning decisions.
   

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, family practitioners, and partner agencies to ensure cohesive, joined-up support.
   

• Maintain accurate and detailed case recordings in accordance with statutory and local authority requirements.

About Our Teams

Our Children and Families Teams manage a broad range of work, from child-in-need and child protection cases to legal proceedings and looked-after children. The work is varied, challenging, and deeply rewarding, allowing you to make a real difference to children’s lives through creative, family-focused practice.

In South & West Devon, you’ll join supportive, well-structured teams made up of Social Workers, ASYEs, Family Practitioners, Team Managers, and Assistant Team Managers who work together to provide exceptional support to families across the region.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including safeguarding, assessment, and family intervention work.
   

• Sound knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice frameworks.
   

• Strong communication, analysis, and report-writing skills.
   

• Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively within a multi-agency setting.
   

• Availability to cover allocated cases and undertake home visits as required to meet service needs.

Working Arrangements

While there will be opportunities to work from home for planning and administrative tasks, Social Workers must be available to respond to service needs and complete face-to-face visits and team-based work as required. Flexibility and responsiveness are key to ensuring children and families receive timely and effective support.

Why Join?

Devon County Council is committed to developing and supporting its social workers through regular supervision, training, and a strong culture of reflection and learning. You’ll be joining a progressive and supportive local authority that values high-quality practice and is dedicated to helping children live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives.

Interested? Apply today to join Devon County Council’s Children and Families Team and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across South & West Devon.