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: Full-time roles with professional development and supportive teams.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities during a pivotal time of change in local government.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape future services.
- Qualifications: Social work qualifications and a passion for helping children and families.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ 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: 37 Hours, Full Time, Permanent and Fixed Term positions available
- Department: Children's
- Closing Date: 9th August 2026
- Shortlisting: w/c 10th August 2026
- Interview Date: 24th August 2025
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:
- 2 x Family Help Social Workers (Fixed Term Contracts) Supporting children through care proceedings and helping secure the right permanency plans to achieve stability. Our newly formed specialist team supporting:
- Children with a plan of adoption
- Children within their kinship network progressing towards a Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
- Family Help Social Work Team Assessing the needs of children and supporting children and their families through Child in Need, Child Protection and Pre-proceedings.
An Exciting Time to Join
With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the horizon, this is a unique opportunity to join a council at a pivotal point in its journey. 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.
Childrens Social Workers - Lifelong Families, Court and Family Help Teams employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible and hybrid working options, the council fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation, empowering employees to make meaningful contributions to the transformation of Adult Social Care services. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and invests in your development.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childrens Social Workers - Lifelong Families, Court and Family Help Teams
✨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 Childrens Social Workers - Lifelong Families, Court and Family Help Teams
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.
