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Advanced Social Worker (Children’s) – Assessment Team, South & West Devon

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Advanced Social Worker to join the Assessment Team at Devon County Council, covering the South and West Devon localities. This is an exciting and hands-on role where you’ll play a key part in leading high-quality practice, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring the delivery of excellent outcomes for children and families.  

As an Advanced Social Worker, you will work closely with your Team Manager to support the day-to-day operations of the service, offering professional leadership, supervision, and guidance to team members. You will also hold a smaller, complex caseload where your expertise will support evidence-based decision-making and effective safeguarding practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold a reduced, complex caseload focusing on children and families with high levels of need and risk.
• Undertake in-depth child and family assessments and contribute to robust, evidence-informed decision-making.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional supervision to students, newly qualified social workers, and alternatively qualified staff.
• Champion best practice by modelling effective social work, supporting reflection, and encouraging continuous learning across the team.
• Promote a strengths-based, child-centred approach to assessment and intervention that empowers families and achieves positive outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure coordinated, holistic support for children and their families.
• Support service improvement initiatives and contribute to a culture of professional curiosity, learning, and accountability.
• Lead by example in upholding the council’s values, safeguarding principles, and commitment to children’s welfare.
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, including reflective case discussions and audit processes, to maintain high standards of practice.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of casework in accordance with statutory and local requirements.

About You

 
You are a confident and motivated social worker who combines hands-on practice with leadership and mentoring skills. You have a passion for improving outcomes for children and families and are skilled in supporting colleagues to develop their confidence and competence. You thrive in a dynamic, multi-agency environment and are committed to promoting a culture of excellence, learning, and reflection across the team.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualifying experience working at or above the Experienced Social Worker level.
• Proven ability to work with children and families with complex needs in a multi-agency context.
• Experience of mentoring, coaching, and supervising colleagues, students, or early-career practitioners.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014, and related safeguarding legislation.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to reflective practice, professional development, and continuous service improvement.
• Ability to lead by example and positively influence practice within the team.
• Full UK driving licence and access to suitable transport for travel across South and West Devon.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: South & West Devon (Devon County Council)
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Assessment Team
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential 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 are an experienced and motivated Advanced Social Worker ready to lead by example and support colleagues in delivering excellent social work practice, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.