At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through care proceedings and assessments.
- Company: Join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, a small authority with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Permanent role, manageable hours, professional development, and supportive teams.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team focused on improving outcomes for children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of services.
- Qualifications: Experience in court proceedings and statutory practice for cared-for children.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
- Terms & Conditions: Permanent, 37 hours a week
- Department: Children's Services & Education
- Interview date: 19th October 2026
Looking for a social work career where you can make a real difference and be part of an exciting future? At Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council we're proud to be a small authority with a big ambition for children and families. Relationship-based practice, supportive leadership and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children are at the heart of everything we do.
Why Join Us?
- Small enough to know your colleagues, big enough to make an impact
- Visible and accessible leaders who understand frontline practice
- Manageable geography – more time supporting children and families, less time travelling
- Strong learning culture with significant investment in professional development
- Supportive teams that champion collaboration, innovation and wellbeing
- A relentless focus on improving outcomes for children and young people
We have the following current opportunities available for Children's Social Workers in the following areas:
- 1 x Family Help Social Worker
Supporting children through care proceedings and helping secure the right permanency plans to achieve stability. The role of Children in Our Care Court Social Worker is to ensure that children who are cared for have a timely plan of permanence within care proceedings. You will be allocated to the family following the granting of an Interim Care Order and will complete all assessments required by the Court within the timescales and to a high standard to support children to have positive and timely outcomes. You will need to have relevant experience in Court proceedings and understand the legislative framework as well as having experience in all areas of statutory practice for cared for children, including those with plans of reunification, adoption, kinship care and long-term fostering and/or residential homes.
Family Help Social Work Team
Assessing the needs of children and supporting children and their families through Child in Need Plans, Child Protection and Pre-proceedings. An exciting time to join as Blackburn with Darwen are early adopters of the Families First Partnership Reforms and we have already established our Multi-agency Child Protection Teams and extended the Family Help service to include Family Help Lead Practitioners.
As services evolve you will have the chance to:
- Help shape the future of children's services
- Influence new approaches and ways of working
- Develop your career within an ambitious and forward-thinking organisation
- Contribute to lasting improvements for children and families
Join us and be part of a team that is making a difference every day.
Children's Social Worker (Court Team & Family Help) employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Social Worker in the Transformation in Adult Supported Living role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex needs while benefiting from ongoing training and collaboration with key partners in the community. Located in a vibrant area, the council fosters a sense of belonging and encourages innovative approaches to social care.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker (Court Team & Family Help)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Blackburn with Darwen Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Blackburn with Darwen Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Blackburn with Darwen Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Worker (Court Team & Family Help)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Blackburn with Darwen Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blackburn with Darwen Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
