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Social Worker (Children’s) – Children & Families Service

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking experienced and passionate Children’s Social Workers to join the Children & Families Service at Devon County Council. This is a rewarding and varied role where you will play a vital part in supporting children in need, safeguarding those at risk, and managing care and legal proceedings.  

Working as part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, you will help deliver meaningful, lasting change for children, young people, and families across Devon. This is an opportunity to make a real difference every day — improving lives, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring every child can thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

About the Role

 
As an Experienced Social Worker within the Children & Families Service, you will model high standards of professional practice and demonstrate confidence working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  

Your work will involve a diverse caseload including Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Court proceedings. You will undertake detailed assessments, plan and deliver interventions, and work closely with multi-agency partners to achieve positive, long-term outcomes for children and their families.  

Using restorative practice and strength-based approaches, you will build trusting relationships with families, helping them identify their own strengths, resolve difficulties, and achieve stability and lasting change.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families in line with statutory frameworks and best practice.
• Develop and implement Child Protection, Child in Need, and Care Plans that promote safety, permanence, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, carers, and other professionals to support effective, family-led change.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports for meetings, reviews, and court proceedings, ensuring clarity and analytical depth.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and represent the Local Authority confidently and professionally.
• Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in all decision-making processes.
• Work restoratively with families to promote independence, resilience, and long-term positive outcomes.
• Manage a varied caseload effectively, ensuring that all work meets statutory and local authority timescales.
• Contribute to service development through reflective supervision, professional development, and collaborative team working.

About You

 
You are a motivated and resilient Social Worker, passionate about supporting children and families to achieve meaningful, lasting change. You bring strong interpersonal and analytical skills, sound knowledge of legislation, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. You are reflective, adaptable, and confident in your ability to build strong professional relationships while delivering effective, child-centred social work.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Successful completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Demonstrable experience within Children’s Social Care, including multi-agency and court environments.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, models, and theories relating to children and families.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work flexibly and creatively to promote long-term, positive outcomes for children.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within statutory timescales.
• Commitment to reflective practice, continual learning, and maintaining high professional standards.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Devon County Council
• Service Area: Children & Families Service
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you’re an experienced Social Worker passionate about improving the lives of children and families in Devon, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.